Microtonal Scales and Tunings

[freeztar]

I've been warming up to the idea of making music from different tunings and I'm wondering if there is anyone here that is using them.

I have several (thousands) of different tuning files that I can use with various computer-based instruments, but it's all a bit overwhelming right now!

For those that are not musically inclined, but are mathematically curious, I would suggest trying the free program Scala. It comes with TONS of tuning files that you can experiment with.

 

By experimenting with different tunings, I've realized that as far as my music aesthetics go, it is hard to accomplish something pleasing using my 12-tone standard keyboard. Can anyone recommend some good starting tunings that convert nicely to the 12-tone keyboard?

 

Of course, general discussion is welcomed too!

[Queso]

Well, I'm going to kick back and see what happens.

As of late, I've been wanting to experiment but . . Havn't.

 

It's been standard all my life.

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

Well, I'm going to kick back and see what happens.

As of late, I've been wanting to experiment but . . Havn't.

 

It's been standard all my life.

 

Here's some fun git tunings

 

1. all stings open E (or A or D or G or B or C etc) (most fun with bow) Each a different shade of whatever note you choose.

 

2. D tuning

 

3. open E style tuning a full step down

 

4. perfect fifths

 

5. banjo with two high drones (or two low)

 

6. super sloppy tuning- as loose as you can go and still achieve sustained notes.

 

7. D G D G D G D (fun with bow)

 

8. A E D D A E (also fun with bow)

 

9. ouch tuning - tune as high as you can without breaking strings.

 

10. 1 step- E followed by each subsequent string 1 step above.

[freeztar]

Thanks for breathing life into the discussion DEF! :) I thought this topic fell off the deep end. :hihi:

 

I love messing around with drop D tuning (#2) and perfect fifths is always good (#4). The "bow friendly" tunings are new to me and it's interesting that you mention the bow. How do you choose a bow that will not fray on the rougher guitar strings? If Jimmy Page is any testament, bows don't stand a chance on guit strings.

 

I didn't take off on my exploration of tunings like my impetus let on in March. Nonetheless, I came up with this oddity that has different tunings (can't remember the names, but they are in the Avante Garde category, as far as tunings go). No guits of course, but a fun experiment nonetheless (oh yeah, I messed with rhythm quite a bit as well).

http://freeztar.com/music/Meltdown.mp3

[Queso]

what an awesome meltdown!

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! (but damnit, GROOVE!)

 

Love it. :hihi:

[freeztar]

RUN FOR YOUR LIVES! (but damnit, GROOVE!)

 

I think I've found a new name for the tune! Awesome interpretation mate! :)

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

Thanks for breathing life into the discussion DEF! :) I thought this topic fell off the deep end. :hihi:

 

I love messing around with drop D tuning (#2) and perfect fifths is always good (#4). The "bow friendly" tunings are new to me and it's interesting that you mention the bow. How do you choose a bow that will not fray on the rougher guitar strings? If Jimmy Page is any testament, bows don't stand a chance on guit strings.

 

I didn't take off on my exploration of tunings like my impetus let on in March. Nonetheless, I came up with this oddity that has different tunings (can't remember the names, but they are in the Avante Garde category, as far as tunings go). No guits of course, but a fun experiment nonetheless (oh yeah, I messed with rhythm quite a bit as well).

http://freeztar.com/music/Meltdown.mp3

 

Actually it has less to do with the bow than angle of attack...you want to bow perpendicular to the neck/bridge axis (as close to a 90 deg. angle as possible).

Less than this you'll eat the hair off every time! Or ditch yer round wound gitbox strings for a set of Fender 50's which are flat wound like violin and cello strings (these are great for slide work....sooooooooooooo ssmmmoooooooooth). (But they are also really hard on trems and necks due to the tension they require)

[DFINITLYDISTRUBD]

Played with my bow last night...Boy did I have me sum fun!

Destroyed no hair... I've got some hand-wound Silk and Nickle-steel beauties on my Strat right now...(can't remember who made them off hand. I've had them on about 18 months now) They're a bit rougher feeling "winding wise" but they respond really well...Really nice tone...BUT now that theyre caked with rossin they don't sound so hot when picked...Ah well a little zippo fluid and they'll clean right up.

 

Side note: Strings last alot longer when treated with an anti-corrosive like WD-40 (I love this stuff and I'm sure other brands of this type stuff are just as good) and slacked (leaving light tension) when not in use.