Help with my Little Guitar

the.ronin · Sep 20, 2009

A relative wanted to get me a ukulele on a trip to the Philippines and ended up picking up a little 6-string guitar for me haha.

I had restrung it and tuned it so that I could play it like uke. But I want to go back and string it like a guitar and try to learn it. I don't think I can use regular guitar strings for it though. What strings should I use? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

DaveVisi · Sep 20, 2009

What's the scale length? You can probably use standard classical guitar strings and tune it up a few steps. A D G C E A

The top four will remain in Uke tuning with the two added bass strings.

UkuleleHill · Sep 20, 2009

Yeah if its a classical you can use as Dave said standard classical guitar strings. Most of the ukulele string makers make classical guitar strings as well, so you can get whatever you perfer for your ukulele and see what you think!

the.ronin · Sep 20, 2009

Thanks Dave ... by scale length do you mean actual measurement? It's about 9-3/4 from the tip of the fretboard to the nut. 14 frets.

So do you mean from top to bottom ADGCEA? And you think just a regular set of acoustic guitar strings would work?

Sorry, I'm totally ignorant to this surff.

DaveVisi · Sep 20, 2009

Scale length is probably nearer to 15-17". Full string length from Nut to Saddle.

I listed the strings from bass to treble, and in that tuning a standard Classical Guitar set should work. DON'T use steel strings, you'll destroy your guitar.

the.ronin · Sep 20, 2009

Ah a requinto!!

Thanks so much for the info, guys. The strings it originally came with were actually wound but nowhere near as heavy as whats on my wife's regular size acoustic guitar.

[edit] And yes, Dave you are right on - it's just a bit north of 15" from nut to saddle.

itsme · Sep 20, 2009

the.ronin said:
Ah a requinto!!

Thanks so much for the info, guys. The strings it originally came with were actually wound but nowhere near as heavy as whats on my wife's regular size acoustic guitar.

Check out stringsbymail.com, they carry requinto strings. Also, there are what are called "kinder" strings for smaller guitars (like 1/4 scale), SBM has some by Hannabach.

the.ronin · Sep 21, 2009

Thank you itsme ... I picked up a set of D’addario requinto strings in A-D-G-c-e-a.

Would I be able to tune this in regular acoustic guitar e-B-G-D-A-E?

DaveVisi · Sep 22, 2009

No. The guages are different. Tuning them down that low won't give you the tension you need to play properly.

Help with my Little Guitar

the.ronin

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