The world of the 6-string guitar is vast and rich, with standard tuning serving as a fundamental cornerstone. Standard tuning on a 6-string guitar is E A D G B E, starting from the thickest (lowest-pitched) string to the thinnest (highest-pitched) string. This tuning system has been widely adopted across various musical genres, from the gentle strums of folk music to the electrifying riffs of rock.
To truly understand standard tuning, one must first recognize its prevalence. In guitar education, it is the starting point for beginners. Teachers around the globe introduce students to the E A D G B E tuning because it provides a balanced and accessible framework for learning chords, scales, and basic melodies. For instance, many of the simplest and most common chords, like the open G, C, and D chords, are easily formed in standard tuning. These chords are the building blocks for countless songs, and their construction is intuitive due to the layout of the strings in standard tuning.
The Basics of Standard Tuning
String Names and Pitches
As mentioned earlier, the six strings of a guitar in standard tuning are named E, A, D, G, B, and E. The lowest E string, often referred to as the “6th string,” has a frequency of approximately 82.41 Hz. The next string, the A string (5th string), vibrates at around 110 Hz. Moving up the fretboard, the D string (4th string) has a frequency of about 146.83 Hz, the G string (3rd string) at 196 Hz, the B string (2nd string) at 246.94 Hz, and the highest E string (1st string) at 329.63 Hz.
These specific pitches are not arbitrary. They are carefully selected to create a harmonious relationship between the strings. When played together, they form a musical palette that is both pleasing to the ear and highly versatile for musical composition and performance.
Tuning Process
Tuning a guitar to standard tuning can be done through several methods. One of the most common ways is using an electronic tuner. Clip-on tuners are popular among guitarists as they are easy to use. The guitarist simply attaches the tuner to the headstock of the guitar. When a string is plucked, the tuner detects the pitch of the string. If the pitch is lower than the desired E, A, D, G, B, or E, the guitarist tightens the tuning peg to increase the pitch. Conversely, if the pitch is too high, the peg is loosened.
Another method is tuning by ear, which is more challenging but also a valuable skill for guitarists. This involves using a reference note, such as a piano or a pitch pipe, to match the pitch of the guitar strings. For example, if using a pitch pipe that produces an A note, the guitarist matches the pitch of the 5th string of the guitar to the A from the pitch pipe. Then, using intervals (which will be discussed in more detail later), the guitarist tunes the remaining strings relative to the already tuned A string.
Historical Development of Standard Tuning
Origins in Folk and Classical Music
The roots of standard tuning can be traced back to the development of the guitar as a musical instrument. In folk music traditions, the guitar was often tuned in a way that was practical for the types of songs being played. Early folk guitarists, who used the instrument for accompaniment to singing, found that the E A D G B E tuning allowed for easy chord shapes that complemented the vocal melodies. These chord shapes were simple to form, enabling the guitarist to focus on singing while also providing a rich harmonic background.
In classical music, the guitar’s tuning also evolved towards the standard E A D G B E. The development of classical guitar repertoire required a tuning that could support the complex harmonies and melodies written by composers. As the classical guitar technique developed, the standard tuning provided a stable foundation for players to execute intricate fingerpicking patterns and arpeggios. Composers began to write specifically for the capabilities of the guitar in standard tuning, further solidifying its place in the musical landscape.
Influence of the Music Industry
With the rise of the music industry in the 20th century, standard tuning became even more standardized. The mass production of guitars meant that manufacturers needed to have a consistent tuning for their instruments. This made it easier for guitarists to pick up any guitar off the shelf and start playing. Record companies also played a role. As more and more guitar music was being recorded, having a standard tuning made the recording process more efficient. Guitarists could quickly set up their instruments and start recording without spending excessive time on tuning adjustments. This standardization also extended to music education materials, such as guitar tablature and chord charts, which were all based on standard tuning.
Intervals in Standard Tuning
Understanding Intervals
Intervals are the distance between two musical notes. In standard tuning, the intervals between the strings play a crucial role in the guitar’s playability and musical capabilities. The interval between the 6th (E) and 5th (A) string is a perfect fourth. A perfect fourth is an interval that consists of five semitones. This means that if you start on the E note of the 6th string and count up five semitones on the fretboard, you will reach the A note on the 5th string.
The interval between the 5th (A) and 4th (D) string is also a perfect fourth, as is the interval between the 4th (D) and 3rd (G) string. However, the interval between the 3rd (G) and 2nd (B) string is a major third, which consists of four semitones. This deviation from the perfect fourth intervals is what gives the guitar its unique harmonic character. Finally, the interval between the 2nd (B) and 1st (E) string is again a perfect fourth.
Significance of Interval Relationships
The interval relationships in standard tuning make chord formation and scale playing more intuitive. For example, when forming a basic open C chord, the interval relationships between the strings allow the guitarist to place their fingers in specific positions to create the desired chord sound. The open C chord consists of the notes C, E, and G. The way these notes are arranged on the guitar strings, based on the standard tuning intervals, makes it easy for the guitarist to remember the finger positions.
In scale playing, the intervals also simplify the process. When playing a major scale, such as the C major scale, the guitarist can use the interval relationships between the strings to quickly move up and down the fretboard. Understanding these intervals also helps guitarists transpose music. If a song is written in a different key, but the guitarist wants to play it in a more comfortable key, knowledge of the intervals in standard tuning allows for easy adjustment of the finger positions to achieve the same musical effect in the new key.
Key Implication in Standard Tuning
No Specific Key in Standard Tuning
It’s important to note that standard tuning itself does not correspond to a single specific key. The E A D G B E tuning is a neutral platform that can be used to play music in any key. The key of a song played on a guitar in standard tuning is determined by the chords and melodies that the guitarist chooses to play. For example, a guitarist can play a song in the key of G major using chords like G, C, and D, all of which are easily formed in standard tuning. The same guitar, in the same standard tuning, can also be used to play a song in the key of A minor, using chords such as Am, Dm, and Em.
Flexibility in Key Selection
This flexibility in key selection is one of the great strengths of standard tuning. It allows guitarists to explore a wide range of musical styles and genres. A blues guitarist can use standard tuning to play in the key of E or A, which are common keys in the blues genre. The guitarist can easily create the characteristic blues riffs and chord progressions. On the other hand, a jazz guitarist can use standard tuning to play in complex keys like D♭ major or G♯ minor, taking advantage of the wide range of notes available on the guitar in standard tuning to create sophisticated melodies and harmonies.
Alternative Tunings vs. Standard Tuning
Introduction to Alternative Tunings
While standard tuning is widely used, there are also many alternative tunings available to guitarists. Alternative tunings involve tuning the strings of the guitar to pitches other than E A D G B E. Some popular alternative tunings include DADGAD, which is often used in folk and Celtic music, and Drop D tuning (D A D G B E), which is common in rock and metal music.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Each
Standard tuning has the advantage of familiarity and widespread use. As mentioned earlier, it is the basis for most guitar education and music industry standards. However, it may have limitations in certain musical contexts. For example, in some experimental or avant-garde music, the standard tuning might not provide the unique sonic textures that the composer desires.
Alternative tunings, on the other hand, offer new creative possibilities. In DADGAD tuning, the open strings create a rich, resonant sound that is well-suited for creating ambient and folk-inspired melodies. Drop D tuning allows for heavier, more power chord-driven sounds, which are ideal for rock and metal genres. However, alternative tunings can be less intuitive for beginners, and since they are not as commonly used, there may be fewer educational resources available in those tunings.
Conclusion
Standard tuning, with its E A D G B E configuration, is the bedrock of 6-string guitar playing. Its historical development, from folk and classical roots to its dominance in the modern music industry, has made it an essential part of guitar culture. The intervals between the strings in standard tuning provide a solid framework for chord formation and scale playing, and its flexibility in key selection allows guitarists to explore a vast array of musical styles. While alternative tunings offer unique creative opportunities, standard tuning remains the go-to for the majority of guitarists due to its familiarity, versatility, and widespread adoption. Whether you’re a beginner just starting to learn the guitar or a seasoned professional, understanding standard tuning is the first step towards unlocking the full potential of this remarkable instrument.
