Floating bridges, often called tremolo systems, look fantastic and enable expressive playing. However, they can turn tuning into a real headache. Because the bridge moves freely with string tension changes, adjusting one string throws others out of tune. This is a common issue with Bridge Guitars, but thankfully, there’s a simple technique to make tuning less frustrating.
Why Floating Bridges Cause Tuning Problems
Imagine a seesaw. That’s essentially what your guitar bridge is doing. When you tighten a string, you’re increasing tension on one side of the “seesaw,” causing it to shift. This shift subtly alters the tension of all other strings. Each string adjustment affects the entire system, leading to an iterative tuning process where you go back and forth, tweaking each string multiple times.
The String Tuning Order Trick
The key to quicker tuning lies in the order you tune your strings. Start with the highest pitched string (high E) and work your way down to the lowest (low E): E, B, G, D, A, E.
Why this order? Higher tension strings are less affected by bridge movement. Tuning the higher strings first stabilizes the bridge earlier in the process. The lower, more sensitive strings, tuned last, are then less likely to be thrown off by subsequent adjustments.
While some players suggest slightly different orders, like prioritizing the D and A strings earlier, the high-to-low E sequence is generally the easiest to remember and implement. You might still need a couple of passes to get perfectly in tune, especially if your guitar was significantly out of tune to begin with. However, this method drastically reduces the frustration and gets you playing faster.
Conclusion
Tuning a bridge guitar doesn’t have to be a battle. By adopting this simple string tuning order, you’ll spend less time wrestling with your tuning pegs and more time enjoying your playing. Give it a try and experience the difference!
