Tuning a Short Scale Travel Guitar
- May 27, 2014
- 2 min read
Recently we have received many questions regarding short scale guitar tuning. To clear up some of the confusion, it's importand to understand that a short scale guitar neck will have an incrementally greater increase in pitch over a shorter distance. Because of this, the frets need to be placed closer together in increments based on the overall scale length. The shorter the instruments, the closer together the frets need to be. In the case of a very short instrument, standard tuning is difficult to achieve, as the scale distance does not meet the minimum fret distances required. The overall intonation as well as string tension is also affected. At Lap axe, we have designed two models. Our smallest model, the Deluxe, is an instrument designed to have unlimited travel capabilities, while at the same time, maintaining great playability and sound. We thus recommend that you tune this guitar a minor 3rd above standard. In other words, low E would now be tuned 3 semitones up to G. The remaining strings would follow suit, thus resulting in the following format. G, C, F, B flat, D, G. The instrument is played normally but overall pitch is slightly higher. ( G major chord sounds B flat major). There is no change in how you physically structure or finger chords and scales etc. The only challenge is when jamming with other musicians, you may need to transpose to an unfamiliar key. As for practicing and playing while traveling or at home, it truly is the ultimate portable guitar. As we continued to develop our product line, we realized the need a model that could be tuned to standard, for musicians who require a great sounding and playing guitar for use on gigsor while jamming and needing to maintaining standard note to fret positions. Our answer was the release of the EX series. In order to achieve standard tuning, we needed to build a version slightly longer than our Deluxe model. The EX still has great portability, but maintains all of the features of a full scale instrument. Both models are small, high quality sounding and playing guitars, with slightly different benefits. Check out our specifications page shown here to decide which one is best for you. You can also check out our full product line at www.lapaxe.com. Please drop us an e-mail at contact@lapaxe.com if you have any questions.
Happy chopping!
Bill Ladick
Lap axe Travel guitars
The insight into tuning short-scale travel guitars, particularly the recommendation for the Lap axe Deluxe at G, C, F, Bb, D, G, is spot on. It perfectly illustrates how scale length directly impacts string tension and intonation, requiring creative solutions to maintain playability and tone. This principle of adapting tuning for optimal performance extends beyond guitars. Bass players, for instance, often face their own unique set of considerations when it comes to maintaining precise pitch across different scale lengths and string gauges. For anyone looking to dive deeper into ensuring their low-end instruments are perfectly dialed in, there's a fantastic resource on accurate bass guitar tuning that covers these nuances comprehensively.