4 String Songs Songs using the: E string - (E, F & G notes) B string - (B, C & D notes). Alternate Bass Notes. Explained; Bass / Strum Technique; Alternate Bass; Applying To Chords. Scales: Major. Brief Description; C Shape Major Scale; A Shape Major Scale; G Shape Major Scale 2 E Shape Major Scale 1 D Shape Major Scale 3 Theory.
- For the musical (rather than instrumental) scale, see Pythagorean tuning.
The scale length or scale of a string instrument is the maximum vibrating length of the strings that produce sound, and determines the range of tones that string can produce at a given tension. It's also called string length. On instruments in which strings are not 'stopped' or divided in length (typically by frets, the player's fingers, or other mechanism), such as the piano, it is the actual length of string between the nut and the bridge.
String instruments produce sound through the vibration of their strings. The range of tones these strings can produce is determined by three primary factors: the mass of the string (related to its thickness as well as other aspects of its construction: density of the metal/alloy etc.), the tension placed upon it, and the instrument's scale length.
Generally, a string instrument has all strings approximately the same length, so the scale length can be expressed as a single measurement, e.g., the violin and most guitars.
- 1Bowed strings
- 4Electric guitar
- 4.2Summary
- 6Electric bass
- 6.2Summary
- 8Piano
Bowed strings[edit]
Violin family[edit]
The two most famous violin makers, Antonio Stradivari (1644–1737) and Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù (1698–1744), both used an open string length of 12.8 in (327 mm) for their violins, which had already been established a generation before by Jacob Stainer (c. 1617–1683). Later makers have been unwilling to deviate from this.
Smaller scale instruments are used extensively to teach younger players. The size of these is described by a 'conventional' fraction that has no mathematical significance. For example, a 7/8 violin has a scale of about 317 mm, a 3/4-size instrument a scale of 307 mm, a half-size one 287 mm, and a quarter-size one 267 mm. 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/32 and even 1/64 violins also exist, becoming progressively smaller, but again in no proportional relationship. (A full-size instrument is described as 4/4.)
Cellos exist in a smaller range of sizes than violins, with 4/4, 3/4, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/10 being reasonably common. As with the violin, the Stradivarius scale is regarded as standard for orchestral work; This is about 27.4 in (695 mm).
Violas are commonly described in terms of their body length rather than—as with other violin-family instruments—by a fraction. There are two reasons for this. First, unlike that of the violin and the cello, the viola scale length has not standardised, but rather advanced player use whatever scale length best suits them. Secondly, student sizes are not as often required, as most viola players who start learning at a young age start on the violin. Common sizes include 17 in (43 cm), 16.5 in (42 cm), 16 in (41 cm), 15.5 in (39 cm), 15 in (38 cm), 14 in (36 cm), and less commonly 12 in (30 cm), smaller than a standard violin; These measurements are nominal and approximate. At least one of the surviving Stradivarius violas has a scale length of 14.25 in (362 mm).
Double bass[edit]
There is some variation in the scale length of an orchestral double bass, generally in the range 41.3 – 43.3 inches (105 – 110 cm). There are also smaller versions of this 'full scale' double bass with the same scale length but with a smaller sound box, intended for other musical idioms. Smaller scale instruments are also quite commonly used by full-sized players in jazz, folk music and similar ensembles.
The system of conventional fractions is taken to its logical conclusion with string bass sizes, in that a full-size (4/4) bass is uncommon. Most basses are 3/4 or 7/8, and younger players can use 1/2 or even 1/4 size instruments.
Classical guitar[edit]
Like that of the violin, the scale of the classical guitar was standardized by the work of its most famous maker. Antonio De Torres (1817–1892) used a scale length of 25.6 in (650 mm), and later makers have followed suit. However, from the mid- 20th Century luthiers seeking increased volume have moved to a 26 in (660mm) scale, which is now the standard for such leading makers as Ramirez.
Unlike Stradivarius, Torres had no strong tradition on which to build regarding scale length, so the 25.6 in figure can be attributed to him with confidence.[citation needed]
Steel-string acoustic guitar[edit]
The steel-string acoustic guitar typically has a scale slightly shorter than the classical instrument, the most common scales ranging between short scale : 24 inches (610 mm) and long scale: 25.5 inches (648 mm). Small travel guitars and guitars specifically designed for children can have even shorter scales. For example, a 3/4 size steel string guitar might have a scale length of 23 inches (580 mm).
Electric guitar[edit]
The scale length of an electric guitar affects both its playability and its tone. Regarding playability, a shorter scale length allows more compact fingering and favors shorter fingers and hand-span. A longer scale allows more expanded finger and favors longer fingers and hand-span. With regard to tone, a longer scale (e.g. Fender Telecasters with 25.5 inch (648 mm) scale length) favors 'brightness' or cleaner overtones and more separated harmonics versus a shorter scale (e.g., Gibson Les Paul with 24.75 in (628 mm) scale length), which favors 'warmth' or more muddy overtones. According to Dave Hunter's Tone Manual (2011), each scale length has its characteristic sound and tone, which is individual from other sounds in the tone chain: strings, pickups, pedals, amplifiers, speakers, and cabinets.
History[edit]
Most Fender electric guitars, including the Stratocaster, Telecaster, Esquire, and Jazzmaster use a scale length of 25.5 in (648 mm). A few Fender models such as the Jaguar use a scale length of 24 in (610 mm). Fender has also built some 3/4-size student guitars with a scale length of 22.5 in (572 mm) or shorter.
Gibson uses a scale length of 24.75 in (628 mm) on many of its electric guitars, including the Les Paul, Flying V, Explorer, SG, and ES-335. Gibson has used other scale lengths on various models through the years. Gibson's nominal '24.75' in scale length has itself varied, sometimes measuring 24 5/8' or 24 9/16' depending on the production equipment used.[1] As Gibson necks are not often interchangeable, this usually goes unnoticed in practice.
Summary[edit]
Single Scale[edit]
- 19.4 in (492 mm):
- Harley Benton ST-Junior
- 20.7 in (527 mm):
- Rickenbacker Electro (student model) Es-16, Rickenbacker 1996, 320 and 325, notably John Lennon's most famous guitar
- Squier Bullet Mini
- 22.2 in (564 mm)
- Ibanez Mikro GRGM21
- Ibanez PGMM31
- 22.5 in (572 mm), known as '3/4 scale' in Fender sales literature:--
- Fender Some Musicmaster II and Duosonic II
- 22.72 in (577 mm):
- Fender Stratocaster Junior
- 22.75 in (578 mm):
- Gibson 3/4 scale Les Paul Junior and Gibson Melody Maker
- Ibanez Mikro RGM55
- Squier Mini
- 23.5 in (597 mm):
- 24 in (610 mm), confusingly called 'full scale' in Fender sales literature:
- Brian May Red Special
- DGW (Durango Guitar Works) All models
- Fender Modern Player Short Scale Stratocaster
- Fender Mustang most models, including current production
- Fender Most Musicmaster II and Duosonic II
- Ibanez ORM1
- Fender Stratocaster STS-65 (Made in Japan 1994.) [2]
- 24.5 in (622 mm):
- Mosrite guitars
- Paul Reed Smith 245 series guitars
- Paul Reed Smith Santana Signature series
- 24.594 in (624.7 mm):
- Paul Reed Smith McCarty 594
- 24.6 in (625 mm):
- Gretsch most electric guitars
- 24.75 in (628 mm):
- Epiphone most electric guitars (including Casino, G-310, G-400)
- ESP Maverick now it calls ESP MV
- Gibson most electric guitars (including Les Paul, most Les Paul Juniors, Flying V, Explorer, SG, Firebird, ES-175, ES-330, ES-335, Victory)
- Gibson ES-150 (original version)
- Godin most electric guitars
- Guild most electric guitars
- Hofner Shorty
- Kramer ProAxe, Nightswan
- Rickenbacker most electric guitars (including 330, 340, 350, 360, 370, 380, 620, 650, 660)
- Squier Bullet Mustang
- Washburn Guitars guitars
- 25 in (635 mm)
- Carvin Guitars guitars
- Danelectro guitars
- Dobro resonator guitars
- Kiesel Guitars guitars
- Kramer early aluminium necked models
- Patrick Eggle most electric guitars
- Paul Reed Smith most electric guitars
- 25.125 in (638 mm):
- Vox Virage II
- Vox Virage Series 77, 55, 33, 22
- 25.2 in (640 mm):
- Selmer Maccaferri Grande Bouche Model
- Rufus Radian, Vector and Axis models
- 25.5 in (648 mm), closest to the classical guitar scale:
- Fender most electric guitars (including Esquire, Telecaster, most Stratocasters, Jazzmaster)
- Fender Stagemaster 24 Fret Guitars
- GibsonJohnny Smith Model
- Godin Freeway Classic
- Gretsch some models
- Ibanez most electric guitars
- Jackson most electric guitars
- Kramer most models inc Spector models
- Schecter 6-string electric guitars
- Squier most electric guitars
- Steinberger most electric guitars
- 26.25 in (667 mm):
- Yamaha RGX-TT-D6 Ty Tabor model
- Hamer Virtuoso (this model had 36 scalloped frets)
- 26.38 in (670 mm):
- Selmer Petite Bouche model and most Mirecourt-era Gypsy Jazz guitars
- 26.5 in (673.2 mm)
- Chapman Guitars ML-7 (both models)
- Ibanez RGD series, most are 7-strings
- Jackson Several 7 and 8 string models including DKA7, DKA8, SLATTXMGQ3-7, and SLATFXQMG 3-8
- Schecter 7-string electric guitars
- 27 in (686 mm)
- Agile All models ending in 27. First number is string count. So 627, 727 .. 1027.
- Kiesel Guitars DC7X 7-string, DC800 8-string guitar and Vader models.
- EpiphoneRobb Flynn signature baritone Flying V Love/Death (tuned B-B)
- ESP/LTDJames Hetfield signature baritone Grynch (tuned Drop C)
- ESP Stephen Carpenter baritone models
- Fender Jaguar Baritone Special HH (tuned B-B)
- Fender Sub-Sonic Baritone Stratocaster and Telecaster (tuned B-B)
- Gibson Buckethead Signature Les Paul (24 fret oversized Les Paul opposed to traditional 22 fret)
- Ibanez RG XL series 6 and 7 string guitars
- Ibanez RG2228 8-string guitar (tuned F#-B-E-A-D-G-B-E)
- Jackson B7 7-string and B8 8-string guitars
- Jim Soloway guitars
- 27.7 in (704 mm)
- PRS SE Mike Mushok Baritone
- 28 in (711 mm)
- Schecter 8-string electric guitars
- Hagström Viking Baritone
- Ibanez MMM Mike Mushok model
- 28.5 in (724 mm) or 30.25 in (781 mm)
- Fender Bajo Sexto Telecaster
- 28.625 in (727 mm)
- Agile All models ending in 28. First number is string count. So 628, 728 .. 1028.
- 29.25 in (743 mm)
- Gretsch G6144 Spectra Sonic Baritone
- 29.4 in (749 mm)
- Ibanez Meshuggah signature 8-string guitars M8M and M80M[3]
- 30 in (762 mm)
- Agile All models ending in 30. First number is string count. So 630, 730 .. 1030.
- Legator All 9 string models.
Multi-Scale[edit]
- 24.5 in (622 mm) to 27 in (686 mm)
- Agile All models ending in 2427. First number is string count. So 62427, 72427 .. 102427.
- 24.72 in (628 mm) to 26.5 in (673.2 mm)
- Partridge Guitars Multiscale
- 25.5 in (648 mm) to 27 in (686 mm)
- Agile All models ending in 2527. First number is string count. So 62527, 72527 .. 102527.
- 25.5 in (648 mm) to 28 in (711 mm)
- RAN Guitars FF8 model
- 27 in (686 mm) to 28.625 in (727 mm)
- Agile All models ending in 2728. First number is string count. So 62728, 72728 .. 102728.
- 27 in (686 mm) to 30 in (762 mm)
- Agile All models ending in 2730. First number is string count. So 62730, 72730 .. 102730.
Acoustic bass[edit]
- 23 in (584.2 mm)
- 23.6 in (600 mm)
- ShortBass-One 12 Fretless & ShortBass-One 12 Fretted
- 25 in (635 mm)
- 26.4 in (670 mm)
- ShortBass-One 14 Fretless & ShortBass-One 14 Fretted
- 30 in (762 mm)
- Stagg AB203 acoustic bass
- 34 in (863.6 mm)
Electric bass[edit]
History[edit]
The first electric basses were upright electric basses built in the 1930s by fitting an otherwise normal double bass with electric pickups, and so had a scale length of about 43' (109 cm).
In 1951 the Fender Precision Bass shortened this to 34' (86 cm). This is still often regarded as the standard length for a bass guitar.
On a modern bass guitar, 30' (76 cm) or less is considered short scale, standard (also called long) scale is 34' (86 cm) for a 4-string and 35' (89 cm) for a B-E-A-D-G 5-string, and extra-long scale basses of 36' (91 cm) also exist.
Quite an uncommon scale construction using the Novax Fanned-Fret system that 'fan outward' for the ability to play in tune with the unequal scale lengths of each string that is used to find the optimal equal tonal response and equal string tension from string-to-string for easier playing is represented by Dingwall Basses, who uses a 37' to 34' span on their Prima, Z1, Z2, and Afterburner original designs and a shorter 34.25' to 32' span for their 'Super J' Jazz Bass design.
Summary[edit]
Single Scale[edit]
- 18 in (457.2 mm)
- 21 in (533 mm)
- 22.44 in (570 mm)
- 23 in (584.2 mm)
- 24.75 in (628,65 mm)
- 25 in (635 mm)
- 28.5 in (724 mm)
- 28.6 in (724 mm)
- Ibanez miKro basses, both 4- and 5-string
- 30 in (762 mm)
- Danelectro 6-string bass
- Fender Mustang Bass, Bronco Bass, Fender Musicmaster Bass, and Bass VI
- Ibanez SRC6
- 30.25 in (768 mm)
- Mosrite basses
- 30.5 in (775 mm)
- Gibson EB-1, EB-0, EB-2, EB-3 and SG basses
- Hamer B8S 8-string bass
- 32 in (814 mm)
- Killer KB-Impulse
- Killer KB-Dagger
- 33 in (845 mm)
- Ibanez BTB33
- 33.25 in (845 mm)
- Rickenbacker 4000 Series basses
- 34 in (864 mm)
- Fender Precision Bass, Jazz Bass, Telecaster Bass, Fender Performer Bass, Jaguar Bass
- Dean Edge 09
- Gibson Thunderbird Bass
- Music Man StingRay Bass
- Most Ibanez basses
- Steinberger basses
- Yamaha TRB series
- 34.5 in (876 mm)
- Gibson EB-0L and other EB-xL basses
- 35 in (889 mm)
- Ibanez BTB series basses excepting the BTB33
- Yamaha TRBII series
- LTD 414 Serie
- Guild Pilot Bass
- 36 in (914.4 mm)
- Overwater C Bass (1982) followed by various 5 and 6 string basses
- 39.55 in (1004.57 mm)
- Knuckle Guitar Works Quake bass
Multi-Scale[edit]
- 33 in (838 mm) to 34 in (863 mm)
Helios R-Evolution 7 strings bass Heliosguitars
- 34 in (863 mm) to 35 in (889 mm)
Helios ANTARES 6 strings bass Heliosguitars
- 32 in (813 mm) to 34.25 in (870 mm)
- Dingwall Super J 4 string
- 32 in (813 mm) to 35 in (889 mm)
- Brice Defiant, 53235 models
- Dingwall Super J 5 string
- 34 in (864 mm) to 36.25 in (921 mm)
- Dingwall Most 4 string basses
- 34 in (864 mm) to 37 in (940 mm)
- Dingwall Most 5 string basses
- Brice (Agile) Defiant, 53437 models
- 33.25 in (845 mm) to 37 in (940 mm)
- Dingwall 6 string basses
- 42.3–43.3 in (1074.42–1100 mm) full-scale double bass (for comparison; see above about fractional sizes of bowed instruments).
Other chordophones[edit]
- Mandola: 20.2 in (51 cm)
- Mandolin: 14.1 in (36 cm)
- Piccolo mandolin 9.5 in (24 cm)
- Mandocello 27 in (686 mm)
- Octave mandolin: 22.75 in (58 cm)
- Ukulele:
- Soprano ukulele: 13.6 in (35 cm)
- Concert ukulele: 14.75 in (37 cm)
- Tenor ukulele: 17 in (43 cm)
- Baritone ukulele: 20.1 in (51 cm)
- Kala U-Bass: 21' in
- Charango:
- Standard charango: 14.5 in (37 cm)
- Ronroco: 18.5 in (47 cm)
- Banjo: (Gibson five string standard and plectrum) 26.25 in
- Long-neck banjo 32.25 in
- Tenor banjo (19 fret) 22.25 in
- Tenor banjo (17 fret 'Irish tenor') 21.0 in
Piano[edit]
The scale length of a piano is the length of the longest string. As this is normally the lowest bass note, it is a single string.
Grand piano[edit]
Concert grand pianos range in scale from about 7 ft 6 in (229 cm) to 9 ft (274 cm) or occasionally more. Notable concert grands include:
- The SteinwayModel D, at 8 ft 11-3/4 in (272 cm).
- The Imperial Bösendorfer, at 9-1/2 feet (290 cm) with 97 keys.
- The Fazioli F308 at 10 ft 2 in (310 cm).
Smaller grand pianos vary in naming. The larger models, about 6 ft (183 cm) or more in scale length, may have the full grand piano action, and are used in smaller concert spaces. Others are intended for larger homes, and may have a simplified action lacking the repeat lever that is only useful for advanced players.
Baby grand pianos are the smallest, intended for homes, restaurants and similar applications where the grand style of piano is desired even at the expense of the longer scale and better sound that an upright format would permit in the available space.
See also[edit]
Further reading[edit]
- 'Lutherie Info – Measuring Scale Length of Stringed Instruments' by R.M. Mottola, on the Liutaio Mottola Lutherie Information Website.
- 'Fender's 3/4 Scale Guitars', a two-part article by Tim Pershing in 20th Century Guitar magazine, December 1996 and January 1997.
External links[edit]
- Instrument plans index gives some scale lengths.
- scale lengths - discussion of the effect of scale length.
- Bass guitar buying guide discusses scale length.
- Vintage guitars with dimensions.
- Listing of some orchestral basses giving both body and scale lengths.
Notes[edit]
- ^http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Resources/Learn_About_Guitar_and_Instrument_Fretting_and_Fretw/Scale_Length_Explained.html
- ^http://brochures.yokochou.com/guitar-and-amp/fenderjapan/1994/en_index.html
- ^'Archived copy'. Archived from the original on 2013-09-16. Retrieved 2013-09-16.CS1 maint: Archived copy as title (link)
Retrieved from 'https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Scale_length_(string_instruments)&oldid=882464570'
A four-string guitar is more commonly referred to as a bass guitar. The strings are usually larger in diameter than a standard, six-string, guitar. This causes the strings to create much lower sounds. Many of the same techniques employed to learn guitar are also used to learn to play bass. It is considered to be easier because most basslines consist of one note being played at a time, instead of chords of three notes or more on the guitar. However, bass is typically played with a different technique, where the strings are plucked with the first two fingers of the hand.
Getting Started
Learn how to use the first two fingers of your right hand to pluck the strings of the bass guitar. Get a book, such as one of the many titles on this subject by Mel Bay, for excellent illustrations of how this technique is performed. The two fingers almost look like they are walking across the strings when done correctly.
Learn some basic scale runs with the use of a good scale chart. Common scales in popular music are the Minor Pentatonic, or 'Blues' scale, and the Major scale. Practice these runs until they become second nature. Always use the correct technique when playing the strings.
Use the note chart to learn the notes up and down the neck of the bass. Each string pressed against a fret is a different note. Learning the names of the notes will make it a lot easier when playing with others. Do exercises where you call out a note and then find it in its various positions on the neck.
Get tablature for music that you like. Tablature is a method of charting out the notes of a musical piece so it can be played on the bass or guitar. Tablature can be found on the Internet or at your local music store. Try to play along with your favorite songs as you build speed and dexterity.
Get together with people that play other instruments and jam. There is only room for one bass player in an arrangement, so find musicians who play guitar or drums. Pick some songs and learn the basslines. Try to put it all together. Practice makes perfect.
Tip
Practice, practice, practice is the key to becoming a fluent bass guitarist. There is no quick way to learn.
Warning
Blisters may develop on your fingers as you first start out on the bass. Hang in there. Keep playing, and these will turn into calluses and hurt no more.