Why the Guitar is Tuned the Way it Is

Early String Instruments and the Birth of Tuning Systems

The history of guitar tuning is deeply intertwined with the evolution of stringed instruments over thousands of years. To understand why the modern guitar is tuned E-A-D-G-B-e, we must trace its lineage back to ancient times.

Stringed instruments have existed since antiquity, with some of the earliest examples dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. Instruments like the lyre and the kithara were prominent in these cultures, and they laid the foundation for the development of fretted instruments.

The lyre and kithara were tuned in ways that suited the modal systems of their respective cultures. These instruments had a limited range and were primarily used for accompaniment. The tunings were often based on simple intervals like fourths and fifths, which are naturally consonant and easy to tune by ear.

The Lute: A Key Predecessor

The lute is one of the most significant ancestors of the modern guitar. Originating from the Arabic oud, the lute made its way to Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly through the Moorish influence in Spain. The lute featured a rounded back, a fretted neck, and multiple courses (pairs) of strings.

Lute tuning varied over time and region, but one of the most common tunings was based on intervals of perfect fourths, with a major third in the middle. For example, a popular Renaissance lute tuning was G-C-F-A-D-G, which shares similarities with the modern guitar tuning. This tuning allowed for a balance between melodic playability and harmonic richness.

The lute’s tuning system influenced the development of other fretted instruments, including the vihuela and eventually the guitar. The lute’s tuning provided a model that balanced chord shapes and melodic lines, a concept that carried over into the tuning of the guitar.

The Vihuela and the Renaissance Guitar

In 15th-century Spain, the vihuela emerged as a prominent stringed instrument. The vihuela resembled the modern guitar in shape but was tuned similarly to the lute. Common vihuela tuning was G-C-F-A-D-G, mirroring the Renaissance lute. This tuning continued the tradition of perfect fourths with a major third, providing a familiar framework for musicians transitioning between instruments.

Alongside the vihuela, the Renaissance guitar developed as a smaller, four-course instrument. It was typically tuned to C-F-A-D, which is similar to the top four strings of modern guitar tuning, but starting on C instead of E. This tuning facilitated simple chord shapes and melodic playing, making it accessible to a wide range of musicians.

The Baroque Guitar and the Shift Toward Modern Tuning

The Baroque guitar emerged in the 17th century, featuring five courses of strings. Its tuning evolved over time, with one of the most common tunings being A-D-G-B-E, which closely resembles the modern guitar tuning but with one fewer string. This tuning continued the trend of using fourths and a third, providing a versatile system for both chordal accompaniment and melodic playing.

As the Baroque guitar gained popularity, musicians began to experiment with different tunings to suit various musical styles and preferences. The concept of re-entrant tuning (where one of the strings is tuned higher than the others around it) was also common during this period, adding a unique tonal quality to the instrument.

The Classical Guitar and the Standardization of Tuning

By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the six-string guitar as we know it today began to take shape. The addition of the sixth string expanded the instrument’s range and versatility. The tuning E-A-D-G-B-e became standardized during this period, largely due to its practical balance of intervals.

The modern guitar tuning follows a logical pattern:

• The strings are tuned in perfect fourths (E to A, A to D, D to G).
• The interval between the G and B strings is a major third.
• The final interval from B to the high E string returns to a perfect fourth.

This combination of intervals offers several advantages:

1. Chord Shapes and Voicings: The mix of fourths and a third allows for comfortable and familiar chord shapes. This tuning makes it easy to play major and minor chords, as well as more complex voicings.
2. Scale Patterns: The tuning facilitates straightforward scale patterns, enabling fluid movement across the fretboard for both beginners and advanced players.
3. Range and Versatility: The tuning covers a wide range of pitches, making the guitar suitable for various musical styles, from classical and jazz to rock and folk.

The Role of the Spanish Guitar Makers

A major factor in the standardization of tuning was the work of Spanish guitar makers, particularly Antonio de Torres Jurado in the 19th century. Torres revolutionized guitar construction by refining the bracing system and increasing the size of the body, which gave the instrument more volume and resonance. His work set the stage for modern classical and acoustic guitars, and as a result, E-A-D-G-B-e tuning became the norm in Spain and beyond.

The Influence of Classical Composers and Guitarists

The standardization of guitar tuning was also influenced by prominent classical composers and guitarists. Fernando Sor, Mauro Giuliani, and Francisco Tárrega were among the key figures who composed extensively for the six-string guitar in standard tuning. Their works demonstrated the instrument’s capabilities and helped establish the tuning as the norm.

As the guitar gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries, its role expanded beyond classical music. The instrument became a staple in folk, blues, jazz, and eventually rock and pop music. Each genre brought new techniques and styles, but the standard tuning remained a constant foundation.

Conclusion

The evolution of guitar tuning is a testament to the instrument’s adaptability and enduring appeal. From ancient stringed instruments to the modern six-string guitar, each stage of development contributed to the tuning system we know today. The combination of perfect fourths and a major third in standard tuning offers a practical and versatile framework that has stood the test of time.

While alternative tunings and extended-range guitars provide exciting possibilities, the standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning remains the foundation of guitar music. Its balance of playability, harmonic richness, and melodic flexibility ensures that it will continue to be the preferred tuning for generations of musicians to come.

Understanding the history and reasoning behind guitar tuning not only enriches our appreciation of the instrument but also opens the door to deeper musical exploration and creativity.