Hello fellow guitar enthusiasts! I recently acquired a tenor guitar and, coming from a background with mandolas, bouzoukis, octave mandolins, and citterns, I thought the transition would be seamless. However, I’ve encountered a bit of a puzzle regarding tuning and string gauges, and I’m hoping to tap into the collective wisdom here.
My new acquisition is a Korean-made tenor guitar under the “Lark in the Morning” brand, an importer and shop based in California. I believe I snagged a pretty good deal on it.
During my initial research into tenor guitars, I learned that they are traditionally tuned in fifths: ADGC, similar to a viola or mandola. Excited to get started, I began tuning my new guitar to this standard after noticing the previous owner had loosened the strings for shipping. Unfortunately, as I was tuning the A string up from G, it snapped two semitones below the target pitch.
Before restringing, I decided to investigate further and measured the scale length of the instrument. To my surprise, I discovered a nut-to-saddle distance of 25 1/4 to 25 3/8 inches (641 to 645mm). This is longer than the typical tenor guitar scale length, which explained why the string broke!
I had already ordered La Bella tenor guitar strings (gauges 009, 013, 020W, and 027W) in anticipation of the guitar’s arrival. With these strings, I was able to tune the guitar to EADG, which is the standard tuning for an octave mandolin and something I’m comfortable with. However, the strings feel quite loose at this pitch.
So, after that rather lengthy introduction, here are my burning questions about tenor guitar tuning and stringing:
Can I Achieve Standard Tenor Guitar (ADGC) Tuning?
Is it possible to tune my longer scale tenor guitar to the traditional ADGC tuning? If so, what string gauges would be necessary to achieve this without excessive tension or risk of breakage? I am particularly interested in understanding the relationship between scale length and string gauge for ADGC tuning on a tenor guitar.
Optimal String Gauges for EADG Tuning on Tenor Guitar
If ADGC tuning proves too challenging or risky for my instrument due to its scale length, I am prepared to use EADG tuning. Given the 25 1/4″ scale length and my comfort with EADG tuning, what string gauges would you recommend for a balanced tension and optimal tone? The La Bella set I have now (009-027W) feels a bit light for EADG at this scale. I’m looking for suggestions that might provide a fuller sound and more appropriate tension.
String Type Considerations for Tenor Guitar
My tenor guitar uses standard ball-end strings, which is convenient. I am currently planning to use regular guitar strings unless there is a compelling reason to use specialized tenor guitar strings, beyond those marketed specifically for ADGC tuning. Are there any advantages to using specific types or brands of guitar strings on a tenor guitar, especially considering the longer scale length and potential for different tunings?
Any advice, insights, or shared experiences regarding tenor guitar tuning, string gauges, and string types would be greatly appreciated. I’m eager to dial in the setup on this new tenor guitar and explore its full potential.
Cheers,
Ian
