All fifths
Encyclopedia
All fifths is a tuning for guitar
, in which the interval between each string is a perfect fifth
. The conventional "standard tuning
" consists of perfect fourths and a single major third between the G and B strings. "All Fifths" tuning therefore creates an interval of 11 half steps larger between the lowest and highest string than conventional tuning.
While the idea of an "all fifths" tuning is aesthetically satisfying, there are certain difficulties in its usage, especially since some guitars do not handle the increased tension well. Tuning the high string to B4 requires special strings that can withstand the higher tension, and therefore limit playing techniques such as bending on the high B. Transposing lower (below the suggested C) would be an inadequate substitute, as it moves below the resonant
frequencies of the acoustic guitar body. The New Standard Tuning
of Guitar Craft
(C-G-D-A-E-G, low to high) is intended to be a more practical approach to a predominantly fifths-based tuning.
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, in which the interval between each string is a perfect fifth
Perfect fifth
In classical music from Western culture, a fifth is a musical interval encompassing five staff positions , and the perfect fifth is a fifth spanning seven semitones, or in meantone, four diatonic semitones and three chromatic semitones...
. The conventional "standard tuning
Standard tuning
In music, standard tuning refers to the typical tuning of a string instrument. This notion is contrary to that of scordatura, i.e. an alternate tuning designated to modify either the timbre or technical capabilities of the desired instrument.-Bowed strings:...
" consists of perfect fourths and a single major third between the G and B strings. "All Fifths" tuning therefore creates an interval of 11 half steps larger between the lowest and highest string than conventional tuning.
While the idea of an "all fifths" tuning is aesthetically satisfying, there are certain difficulties in its usage, especially since some guitars do not handle the increased tension well. Tuning the high string to B4 requires special strings that can withstand the higher tension, and therefore limit playing techniques such as bending on the high B. Transposing lower (below the suggested C) would be an inadequate substitute, as it moves below the resonant
Resonance
In physics, resonance is the tendency of a system to oscillate at a greater amplitude at some frequencies than at others. These are known as the system's resonant frequencies...
frequencies of the acoustic guitar body. The New Standard Tuning
New Standard Tuning
The new standard tuning is a special type of guitar tuning , introduced by Robert Fripp of King Crimson, who has stated that the tuning "flew by" while he was sweating in a sauna in September 1983. Fripp began using the tuning in 1985 after stepping out of the spotlight before beginning his Guitar...
of Guitar Craft
Guitar Craft
Guitar Craft was a series of guitar and personal development classes, founded and often presented by Robert Fripp, who is best known for his work with King Crimson.-Courses:GC includes three ways of developing relationships:...
(C-G-D-A-E-G, low to high) is intended to be a more practical approach to a predominantly fifths-based tuning.