Subjective and physical experiments related to the tuning of classical guitars.

Abstract

The subject of tuning the classical guitar is discussed in the light of subjective experiments during which guitarists tuned a classical guitar using different tuning methods. Tones of the six open strings were recorded after each tuning session, and the perceived musical pitch was estimated using a psychoacoustically based pitch detection algorithm. Also, the input mechanical mobility was measured at the top plate bridge, at the nut bridge, and at all the frets. Frequency shifts due to string-body coupling were estimated for the frequency components of all possible (open and fretted) guitar tones, and perceived musical pitch was also estimated for these tones. Results are presented of tuning accuracy and variability for individual guitarists as well as among different guitarists. Also, estimates are presented of overall guitar tuning accuracy, depending on string-body coupling, fretted-tone over-tension, tuning method, and other factors.