String and note relationship

[Ch0jin]

The reason you can't use just one string gauge is that the lower strings use less tension and need a be of heavier gauge in order to be playable.

That's true in part, but my research this morning over a coffee reveals string tension should be fairly uniform assuming your using a matched set of strings rather than a "fat bottom" set or similar.

If your string tension varies too much you risk placing unexpected stress on the guitar. There's some wicked in depth info here actually. Also, having a relatively consistent tension means the strings "feel" similar.

In short they (Noyce Guitars) have done the math, and on a 6 string, your string tension varies from 7.28Kg to 9.03Kg, but importantly, and this is the deal breaker, it's not a linear increase down the strings (which would try to warp the neck) they determined that E has 7.71Kg of tension and e has 7.28Kg. So although the tension does vary a little across the strings, it's kind of spread out.

To see why I refer to a difference of almost 2Kg's as "Constant", you need to see it in context, so I've done the math.

If we were to crank up my magic formula from before this is what happens...

- E to A is a 25% increase in frequency.
- Lets keep the scale Length constant this time.
- It takes 4X the tension to double the Frequency
- Low E is under 7.71Kg of tension, and on a regular guitar, A is under 9.03Kg (which is the largest differential on a guitar actually)

So if 4xT=2xF then (if I got this right) then 2.5T=1.25F.

That means that if you used the same gauge string for E and A, and your E was under normal conditions, your A string, instead of being under 9Kg's of tension, would be under almost 20Kg.

I would definitely be wearing eye protection for that experiment!!!

EDIT......looks like ChO has chimed in with the good word.

Haha, yeah, I was a bit bored this morning.