tuning

[peter_traj]

hi everyone
can you please tell me why the b string is tuned to a semitone lower than the others.it lokks like it has something to do with creating the 3rd octave up from the 6th string root note so that is in the same fret thus making bar chords easier.it this correct? if not please explain. thanks you guys and keep up the great work. bye for now, sincerly , peter

[EricV]

Hi Peter,

this tuning is only one possible tuning but it has become a "standard".
There are examples in classical music ( i.e. Johann Sebastian Bach ) of pieces written for a guitar with the B-string tuned to C ( so there´s a fourth between G- and B-String ), and I even heard of pieces written for a guitar tuned completely in 4ths ( E-A-D-G-C-F )

You´re right, this tuning makes our standard chords possible or easier. But don´t forget that you can play regular triads and 7th chords on differently tuned guitars also.
Hope this helps
Eric