Calculating Frequency Values for a G String on a Standard Tuned Guitar

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on calculating the frequency values for each fret on the G string of a standard tuned guitar. Participants explore methods for determining the tension required to achieve specific frequencies, particularly in the context of designing a whammy system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a comprehensive table of frequency values for each fret on the G string and proposes using a formula involving tension, scale length, and mass to calculate the required tension for specific frequencies.
  • Another participant provides a link to a resource that lists frequencies for standard tempered tuning, confirming the proportional relationship between frequency and tension as described in the original post.
  • A third participant reiterates the resource link and expresses relief at finding the information, indicating uncertainty about the calculation method initially proposed.
  • A fourth participant introduces an alternative formula for calculating frequencies based on semitones above a reference pitch, specifically relating it to the G3 note and its frequency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for calculating the required tension or the accuracy of the proposed formulas. Multiple approaches and resources are discussed without resolution of which is preferable.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the string's properties and the definitions of frequency and tension are present but not fully explored. The discussion includes references to well-tempered tuning, which may affect the calculations.

deadstar33
Messages
30
Reaction score
0
Does anyone know where I can find a full table that lists the frequency values for each fret on a standard tuned guitar G string? Or failing that can anyone suggest a method of calculating them accurately? I need to work out the change in tensions required to increase and decrease the frequency of the string. For example, if the tension in the 3rd string is 7.5kg, and it is tuned to 196 Hz (i.e. the same frequency as plucking an open G note on the 3rd string), then what does the tension need to be if I want to tune the 3rd string so that when I pluck it, it has the frequency of G sharp (207.6 Hz)? I'm working on designing a whammy system.

What I had in mind was if I could get the frequency value for each fret along the g string and use the formula:

f=(1/2L)[(TL/m)^1/2]
where: f = frequency, L = scale length (working length) of the string, T = tension, m = mass of the scale length section of the string

to work out the tension required to tune the string to the desired frequency. Am I using the right approach for this? The string in question is a Fender Original 150s regular g string for electric guitar, gauge 0.017", scale length 25.5". Its made of pure nickel. Using a density value for commercially pure nickel I worked out "m" for the above equation to be 8.445 x 10^-4 kg.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Cheers.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Here's a list of frequencies for (I suppose) standard tempered tuning:
http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~suits/notefreqs.html

Your formula shows Frequency being proportional to the sqr-root of Tension.

Is that what you were asking?
 
schip666! said:
Here's a list of frequencies for (I suppose) standard tempered tuning:
http://www.phy.mtu.edu/~suits/notefreqs.html

Your formula shows Frequency being proportional to the sqr-root of Tension.

Is that what you were asking?

Thanks so much, that link is exactly the kind of thing I had been trying (and failing) to find. I thought I may have had to work them all out by hand and I wasn't sure if I was using the right method.
 
The formula for frequencies is very straight forward.

f = f_0 * 2^(n/12)<br /> <br /> Where n is the number of semitones that f is above f<sub>0</sub>. (Or bellow - use negative values of n). By definition of the American Standard Pitch, A4 is at 440Hz. The G you are looking at is G3, which is 10 semi-tones above A2 : 110Hz. That gives you 110 * 2^(10/12) = 196 Hz for G3.<br /> <br /> This is for a well tempered tunning, which guitars are built around.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
5K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
6K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
8K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 40 ·
2
Replies
40
Views
18K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
5K