Re: Tuning guitar in fifths for wider orchestration options

[van Sinn <vansinn@post.cybercity.dk>]

Per Boysen wrote:
> Anyone here on the list having tried tuning a guitar in fifths for
> wider orchestration options? Or even wider intervals? Would make sense
> when looping to get lower bass and higher highs. I guess you have to
> pick a custom string set for this.
> 
> Greetings from Sweden
> 
> Per Boysen
> www.boysen.se
> www.perboysen.com

I've tried it and like certain aspects of it. However, it was on a 25" 
scale, which simply won't do at the low end; way too thick strings..
I expect to go for it later, but not until I can have a compound scale 
instrument, probably something like 25" - 28".

As others have noted, it takes some adjustment getting used to.
It's not just for the expanded range, but very much for inspiring into 
different harmony structures and runs.  I love the cello (though I don't 
play it), and for certain things in symphonic metal, renaisance/mideval 
cello inspired stuff in 5th works nicely well.
I don't think I'll be good at shredding solos in 5th though ;)


I've just started on 4th tunings: E A D G C F.
Actually, some solo stuff seems easier or more fluid in a 4th tuning.
Lifting low E to F as a modified F A D G C F sometimes works better with 
certain complex/dissonant chords in prog/symph metal.

However, E A D G C F has the advantage that it'll allow mounting three 
Sperzel Drop-thingy drop tuners on E,,,,b,E, so b,E strings can be 
flipped between standard E and 4th tunings, and the low E to a drop-D.


-- 
rgds,
van Sinn