Classical / concert guitar tuning.

[hungovermorning]

Completely silly question I suppose, but I've never owned a classical guitar and I was given an Aria with a busted headstock, set it and glued it and now I've for the strings back on. Looks sturdy and ready to go. One problem though, I've always only played electrics and steel string acoustics. Is the tuning the same as on a regular acoustic? Also, are there any fun alternate tunings for a nylon string guitar?

cheers,
scott

 

[mshilarious]

Yes, and no. That is standard tuning is the same, and alternate tunings are only allowed on steel string

Edit: I should add a serious part to that--alternate tunings aren't as common in classical guitar, but are sometimes used for playing lute music or something like that.

 

[hungovermorning]

Thanks. And no lute music for me, I'm on a diet.

 

[rpe]

Agree, standard tuning is the same. Just be aware that the nylon strings like to stretch forever, plan on a week before it stays in tune!

rpe

 

[hungovermorning]

Agree, standard tuning is the same. Just be aware that the nylon strings like to stretch forever, plan on a week before it stays in tune!

rpe

I just found that out. That's why I was worried, because I was tuning and tuning and tuning... Thanks gentlemen!

 

[Fusioninspace]

So how often is a person supposed to change classical strings? I'm on the multi-year schedule personally (all my other active guitars are on 3 month intervals more or less).

I read somewhere that if you try to stretch them out to quickly, they will not stretch evenly along their length and be more prone to breaking. But it seems to me that if you stick within normal tensions/tunings that shouldn't really be an issue.

Any body have answers?

 

[XLR]

The wound strings should be replaced as soon as they lose their brightness of tone - usually that's when they start showing some discoloration. You can get half-sets of just the wound strings. The D string (4th) is always the soonest to go. If you want to be really efficient, order two or three extra D strings for every set or half-set you get. The treble strings last a lot longer, and really just need replacing when they get rough where the right hand contact is, or when their intonation becomes false from fret wear.

A good way to tell when you need to change strings: Every time you start to think, "hell, I need a better guitar." ... change the strings and you'll think, "hell, this guitar sounds good."

Tim

 

[boogieman481]

I've played some classical pieces that had a low D that required me to put the guitar in drop d

 

[sile2001]

I've played some classical pieces that had a low D that required me to put the guitar in drop d

Playing ye olde lute musick eh?

 

[toyL]

Nearly all European orchestras now tune to 442Hz for concert A, and it is not entirely uncommon here in the US. For anyone who has sat in the audience at a 442Hz performance, the difference is very noticeable—brighter and even louder. You may want to keep this in mind if you plan to play with others.

 

[XLR]

Renaissance lute music sometimes is played on guitar with the 3rd string tuned down a half step to F#.

It's very common to tune the 6th string to D. Not uncommon to tune the 5th string to G and 6th to D.

Also some guitarists tune a little higher or lower to suit the particular instrument if they're not doing ensemble stuff. Some guitars sound a little better that way.

Tim