One of the problems that every guitar player encounters during training is the choice of the guitar system. The guitar structure is determined by the sound of open strings, respectively, the transition to a particular key is made by tuning the strings to the corresponding notes. The following is a list of the most widely used systems:
âĸ "Spanish", or standard. This system is considered a classic. It is with him that the mastery of the technique of the game begins. Many at the end of training continue to play it, since this system is universal. Designation - EBGDAE, according to strings (from 1st to 6th).
âĸ Drop D. One of the most popular tunes often used in rock music, especially by hard rock performers. Literally translated as "lowered re." The reason for this name lies in the fact that in this system the 6th string sounds a tone lower than in the standard system, that is, it corresponds to note re (D). Such a system sounds best on an electric guitar.
âĸ Drop C. This guitar system, like the previous one, is based on the fact that the sixth string sounds a full tone lower than the first. However, in the case of Drop C, the first to fifth strings are first tuned exactly one tone lower than the standard tuning. That is, we get DAFCGC. In this arrangement, the guitar sounds lower and heavier. It is used mainly in heavy music.
âĸ Open D. This system is most often used when playing a slide guitar.
âĸ Increased and reduced formation. Often musicians lower or increase their guitar tuning by half a tone, a tone, or even more. You can rebuild all strings the same or differently. However, acoustic guitars (especially classical ones) are at risk of damage when playing in a higher order.
âĸ Instrumental system. It implies tuning the guitar into a standard tuning for another instrument. You can configure it like a balalaika, charango, kifara.
I would also like to mention that the guitar, unlike many musical instruments, is not tuned in a fifth structure. Why, in spite of the fact that the fifth gives the purest and most pleasant sound, is the guitar tuned in such an incomprehensible way at first glance? The answer to this question is more than simple: the standard guitar system provides the greatest simplicity and convenience of the game.
Where to start? Naturally, with the mastery of the technique of the game in the classical (Spanish) system. Only by studying musical notation, especially the
structure of guitar chords, you can choose in which system it is more convenient to play this or that chord, this or that song. It is worth noting that it will be much more difficult for a beginner to play in an alternative formation, especially if he does not own the barre technique.
If you play or plan to play the electric guitar in the future , you should pay special attention to the geometry of the neck, especially to the height of the strings. You may have to rebuild your guitar in a new way to avoid sagging strings and rattling when playing in the new system. Electric guitars for beginners are not designed to play in alternative tunings, and their sound, for example, in Drop C, may not make you happy. Be sure to consider this when buying!