Composition in "New Standard Tuning" (NST) [CGDAEG]

This is an "All Fifth" tuning and some little compositions I was playing with. There isn't much on YouTube about this tuning, so I though I'd put some stuff together.

I was reading up about violin tuning the other day, and found out they tune to all fifths. So, I though what does guitar do? I then found the NST, which Wikipedia claims was introduced by Robert Fripp (King Crimson) in 1983.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_standard_tuning

But, the violin has been around since at least 16th-century Italy, so how does someone claim they introduced an "all fifth" tunings in the 80's? Surely someone tried it years ago.

The "New standard Tuning" title also bugs me a little, since I believe the current Standard Tuning is a work of genius. But, NST is cool and makes sus2 and 6add9 chords easy to finger. But, it does make scales a bit of a pain to group.

I tuned my guitar to all fifths, which kind of puts all your string tensions out of wack. I couldn't get all the strings working, and there is some buzzing, but that's ok.

It seems a lot of people view NST as a way to play jazz solos. But, you can play the usual major, minor, seventh and diminished chords just as standard tuning. In fact, a major chord fingering is the same as a D5 chord in standard tuning. A minor is a small finger change, and a diminished just involves adding one finger. Here are the fingerings for the

X00233 = Major
X00133 = Minor
X02133 = Diminished
X00213 = Seventh
X01230 = Augmented

With a bit of simple logic, you can find the rest. Tip: Find the 3rd's and sharpen/flatten them, or, find the octave and sharpen/flatten that, and you will find all the chords you desire.

Scale wise, the tuning is logically pretty simple. An octave of the major scale can be played on 2 strings, and then repeated. So, you get a more octaves. But, that causes some problems, since human hands still only have 4 fingers. I found you end up skipping one note of the major scale in what ever position you are in. This can cause non-linear melodies.

I also found, the pentonic scales are not in nice little fingerings. Which means it's harder to group modes by their pentonic "back bones". But, maybe this is a good thing, since it might help you think of scales outside octave blocks.

I.e.: In standard tuning, the major pent is a nice little shape with all the major mode notes conveniently in the middle, making it easy to move between major modes. But, I'm sure one could work out a solution if they spent enough time in this tuning.

But, I did try the harmonic minor scale in NST, and didn't find it easy. In standard tuning, complex scales can be grouped by 3 repeating octaves. NST has this, but I found the fingerings a bit of a stretch.

It is interesting to see that the lowest note is C! ie: Drop C! This is a full on metal tuning. A SUS2 chord is often used in grunge/metal and a small fingering change gives you a 4 note fifth chord. Someone should retune their electric guitar to this. Just a thought.

Anyway, I think it's is a cool tuning. I also like "All fourths", "Open G" and "Drop D"

Hopefully it this will inspire someone to tuning to all fifths and write something truly amazing.

I do find little clasical movements seem to sound sweeter in this tuning, but, it could be my ears.

Cheers
Derek

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Robert
• Fripp
• new
• Standard
• Tuning
• NST
• King
• Crimson
• All
• Fifths

[Wayavas1337]

You are a fucking cunt, Robert Fripp introduced this in the 80s and no one else tried this! You should credit him because he is a genius and you are just some piece of shit.

On the other hand, nice composition, I enjoyed it. But you owe more respect to Mr. Fripp, cunt.

[EpiphoneGear]

@Wayavas1337 Thanks (?), please take your med's

[Wayavas1337]

@EpiphoneGear You need to understand my message, Robert Fripp introduced this in the 80s. End of discussion. No one else tried it becaue he is a genius and you are just copying him ok?

[EpiphoneGear]

@Wayavas1337 Um, actually, I only know Robert Fripp by name. This project was completed in about 2 hours, and the video/info is just for people who are interested in something alternate to "standard tuning". That said, I have not downgraded RF at all. I haven't heard much of him over my life. I do find it interesting that violins have used all fifth tunings since the early 16th century, and for RF to immerse himself in the tuning and explore it over his career is a credit to him.

[zackypooofillinois]

good job! this is exactly what i was looking for! i stumbled on a wiki article on this tuning and was very intrigued and wanted to see an acoustic example of how to play it and here it is! kudos. btw feel free to check my vids and even criticize me if you so wish. ( i wont get offended. criticism is a major step for progress in nearly all art) how can one progress without the knowledge of what to make better? ya know?

[EpiphoneGear]

@zackypooofillinois Cool thanks. The main issue with this tuning is, the low string goes floppy, while the high string is too tight. Unsure if there is a string set designed for this tuning, otherwise, you need to make up your own from single sets, which can cost a bit. There is a d'addario tension chart online which might help. If you know your prefered tension, you can buy the exact string gauges you need.  I actually like NST for chord work. Cheers

[twon1988]

simply amazing.

[suckmydickjackiecas]

the beginning sounded sooooo kinsella like! awesome dude!

[gxtmfa]

I like standard tuning, but now I can finally the merit to NST. It really seems powerful for solo guitar (fifths will do that). But as you said in your description, it doesn't sound ideal for string tension.

[Failtier]

Really great work, that's a fine progressive sound!

[UncleTito72]

If you really like all 5ths tuning check out the website for TK guitars. He gives a good overview as to what strings to use. You have to make your own set to keep the tension where it needs to be. A 6 string guitar tuned to all fifths will have the range of an 8 string guitar, but in my opinion that's all you gain, range. when playing scales you move toward the nut while going UP the scale. Opposite of standard tuning unless you play 4 notes per string. Which is a pain.

[GANGSTAsizeZAK]

nice upload man,now i know why i want to try this tuning