Tuning a Guitalele: A Comprehensive Guide

A guitalele is a fascinating instrument that combines the tuning of a guitar with a flamenco guitar body. It can be tuned like a regular guitar but with a different pitch, allowing for unique musical exploration. In this article, we will explore how to tune a guitalele, its alternative tunings, and some historical insights about similar instruments like banjos.

Can You Tune a Guitalele Like a Regular Guitar?

Yes, you can definitely tune a guitalele like a regular guitar, but with a slight difference in pitch. A standard tuning for a guitalele is A/D/G/C/E/A, which is equivalent to the tuning of a guitar but up a fourth. This unique tuning gives the guitalele a distinctive sound. Here's how to tune it:

Standard Guitalele Tuning

First String (A): A, the highest string

Second String (D): D

Third String (G): G

Fourth String (C): C

Fifth String (E): E

Sixth String (A): A, the lowest string

Steps to Tune a Guitalele

1. Use a Tuner: You can use a clip-on tuner, a tuning app, or a pitch pipe to achieve accurate pitches.

2. Tune Each String: Start from the lowest string (6th) to the highest (1st) and adjust the tension until each string matches the correct pitch.

3. Check and Adjust: After tuning all strings, go back and check each one again. Tuning one string can slightly alter the tension of the others, so it's essential to verify each string's pitch.

Alternative Tuning: Tuning Like a Standard Guitar

If you prefer to tune your guitalele similarly to a standard guitar E/A/D/G/B/E, but up a fourth, you can do that. However, keep in mind that the chord shapes will be different, and you’ll need to adjust your playing accordingly.

Back-to-Back String Testing

Recently, someone conducted a back-to-back test of strings intended for 1/8 or 1/4 guitars at standard tuning and found that one was significantly better. Interestingly, this string was from a brand that wasn’t as well-known. It's worth noting that the string length played a more significant role in the quality of sound, more so than the '1/8' designation, as manufacturers interpret this specification differently.

Historical Insights: Tenor Banjos and Their Evolution

In the early days, tenor banjos were commonly used as rhythm instruments in dance and Dixie jazz bands. As musical tastes evolved, the four-string tenor guitar was developed for banjo players to stay relevant and modern. These guitars are tuned in the same way as a tenor banjo and can be played immediately with minimal adjustment.

Can a Six-String Guitar Be Tuned Like a Banjo?

While it’s theoretically possible to tune a six-string guitar to achieve similar tunings as a banjo, you would need to adjust string diameters to fit the banjo's standard. You might also need to replace fat strings with thinner ones and adapt the string slots accordingly. Additionally, you would need to change the tuners to accommodate the thinner strings. It's an interesting experiment, but it would require significant modifications to your guitar.

Experimenting with these different instruments can be a fun and enriching journey for any musician. It’s always encouraging to dive into new sounds and discover the unique possibilities offered by various tunings and instrument combinations. Happy playing!