Multiscale 6 String Guitar

Multiscale 6 string guitars are a relatively new type of guitar that has been gaining popularity in recent years. They offer a number of advantages over traditional guitars, including improved intonation, increased playing comfort, and a wider range of tonal possibilities.

Editor’s Note:Multiscale 6 string guitars are a great choice for guitarists who are looking for an instrument that is both versatile and easy to play. They are also a good option for guitarists who have difficulty with intonation on traditional guitars.

We’ve done the analysis, dug through the information, and put together this multiscale 6 string guitar guide to help you make the right decision.

Key Differences: Multiscale 6 String Guitars vs Traditional Guitars

Main Article Topics

• What is a multiscale 6 string guitar?
• How does a multiscale 6 string guitar work?
• What are the advantages of a multiscale 6 string guitar?
• What are the disadvantages of a multiscale 6 string guitar?
• Who should consider buying a multiscale 6 string guitar?

1. Scale Length

In a multiscale 6 string guitar, the scale length varies across the strings, with the lower strings being longer than the higher strings. This design provides several advantages over traditional guitars, where all the strings have the same scale length.

• Improved Intonation: The varying scale length compensates for the different string tensions, resulting in improved intonation across the entire range of the guitar. This is especially noticeable on the lower strings, which tend to have intonation problems on traditional guitars.
• Increased Playing Comfort: The longer scale length on the lower strings makes them easier to fret, especially for players with small hands. This can reduce fatigue and improve playing comfort, particularly during extended playing sessions.
• Wider Tonal Possibilities: The varying scale lengths also affect the tonal characteristics of the strings. The longer scale length on the lower strings gives them a fuller, richer sound, while the shorter scale length on the higher strings gives them a brighter, more articulate sound. This wider range of tonal possibilities allows guitarists to explore new sonic territories.

Overall, the varying scale length on multiscale 6 string guitars provides significant advantages in terms of intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility. These guitars are a great choice for guitarists who are looking for an instrument that is both easy to play and versatile in sound.

2. Intonation

Multiscale 6 string guitars offer improved intonation, especially on the lower strings, due to the varying scale length across the strings. This design addresses the common problem of intonation issues on traditional guitars, particularly on the lower strings.

• Compensation for String Tension: The longer scale length on the lower strings compensates for their higher tension, ensuring that each string is properly intonated at every fret. This results in more accurate and consistent intonation across the entire range of the guitar.
• Elimination of Fret Buzz: Improved intonation helps to eliminate fret buzz, which is a common problem on traditional guitars, especially when playing chords or bends. By ensuring that each string is properly intonated, multiscale 6 string guitars allow for cleaner and more precise playing.
• Enhanced Harmonic Accuracy: The improved intonation on multiscale 6 string guitars also enhances harmonic accuracy. Harmonics are created by lightly touching the string at specific points, and proper intonation is crucial for producing clear and resonant harmonics. The varying scale length on these guitars ensures that the harmonics are in tune, resulting in a more musically pleasing and expressive sound.
• Benefits for Different Playing Styles: Improved intonation benefits all guitarists, regardless of their playing style. Whether playing lead guitar, rhythm guitar, or fingerstyle, proper intonation is essential for producing a clear and cohesive sound. Multiscale 6 string guitars provide a significant advantage in this regard.

In conclusion, the improved intonation on multiscale 6 string guitars, especially on the lower strings, is a major advantage over traditional guitars. It enhances the overall playing experience by providing more accurate and consistent intonation, eliminating fret buzz, enhancing harmonic accuracy, and benefiting players of all styles. These guitars represent a significant advancement in guitar design, offering guitarists a new level of precision and tonal clarity.

3. Playing Comfort

Multiscale 6 string guitars offer increased playing comfort, especially for players with small hands, due to the varying scale length across the strings. This design provides several advantages that enhance the playing experience.

• Reduced Strain on the Wrist and Fingers: The shorter scale length on the higher strings makes it easier to reach and fret the strings, reducing strain on the wrist and fingers. This is particularly beneficial for players with small hands, who may struggle to comfortably reach the frets on a traditional guitar with a uniform scale length.
• Improved Hand Positioning: The varying scale length allows players to position their hands in a more natural and ergonomic way. This reduces tension and discomfort, especially when playing chords or extended fingerstyle passages.
• Easier Access to Higher Frets: The shorter scale length on the higher strings makes it easier to reach the higher frets, allowing for more fluid and effortless playing. This is especially advantageous for lead guitarists and players who frequently use the higher registers of the guitar.
• Enhanced Playability for Different Hand Sizes: Multiscale 6 string guitars accommodate players with different hand sizes, providing a more comfortable and enjoyable playing experience for all. Wh
  ether you have small hands or large hands, the varying scale length ensures optimal comfort and playability.

In conclusion, the increased playing comfort offered by multiscale 6 string guitars, especially for players with small hands, is a significant advantage. The varying scale length reduces strain on the wrist and fingers, improves hand positioning, eases access to higher frets, and enhances overall playability. These guitars provide a more comfortable and enjoyable playing experience, allowing players to focus on their music without physical discomfort.

4. Tonal Possibilities

The varying scale lengths on multiscale 6 string guitars result in a wider range of tonal possibilities, offering guitarists access to a diverse sonic palette. This unique design unlocks new avenues for musical expression and creativity.

• Enhanced Harmonic Content: The varying scale lengths affect the harmonic content of each string, creating a richer and more complex sound. The longer scale length on the lower strings produces a fuller, more resonant fundamental tone, while the shorter scale length on the higher strings emphasizes harmonics and overtones, resulting in a brighter and more articulate sound.
• Extended Range of Timbres: The wider range of tonal possibilities allows guitarists to explore a broader spectrum of timbres, from warm and mellow to bright and twangy. This versatility makes multiscale 6 string guitars suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and blues to rock and metal.
• Unconventional Sounds: The varying scale lengths can produce unconventional and experimental sounds that are not possible on traditional guitars. By adjusting the scale length of each string, guitarists can create unique and expressive tones that push the boundaries of traditional guitar playing.
• Customizable Tonal Response: The ability to customize the scale length of each string gives guitarists unprecedented control over the tonal response of their instrument. They can fine-tune the tension and intonation of each string to achieve their desired sound, whether it’s a balanced and even response or a more focused and pronounced sound on specific strings.

In conclusion, the wider range of tonal possibilities offered by multiscale 6 string guitars empowers guitarists to explore new sonic territories and express their creativity in unique and innovative ways. The varying scale lengths unlock a world of tonal diversity, allowing guitarists to craft their own distinctive sound and push the boundaries of guitar playing.

5. Construction

The construction of multiscale 6 string guitars is typically more complex than traditional guitars, requiring specialized luthiers with the knowledge and skills to craft these unique instruments.

• Precision and Accuracy: Multiscale guitars demand precise calculation and execution to ensure the varying scale lengths are accurately implemented across the strings. This precision is crucial for achieving the optimal intonation and playing comfort that these guitars offer.
• Specialized Tools and Techniques: Luthiers building multiscale guitars employ specialized tools and techniques to shape the neck and fretboard to accommodate the varying scale lengths. This requires a high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail to ensure the guitar’s structural integrity and playability.
• Custom Design and Setup: Unlike traditional guitars with standardized scale lengths, multiscale guitars often require custom design and setup to suit the individual player’s preferences. This involves adjusting the scale length of each string to optimize intonation, string tension, and playing comfort.
• String Selection and Intonation: The varying scale lengths on multiscale guitars necessitate careful string selection and intonation adjustment. Luthiers must consider the string tension, elasticity, and tonal characteristics to ensure each string performs optimally on its respective scale length.

The complexity of constructing multiscale 6 string guitars underscores the specialized skills and expertise required to craft these unique instruments. The precision, attention to detail, and custom design involved in their construction contribute to their exceptional intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility.

6. Cost

The specialized construction of multiscale 6 string guitars contributes to their higher cost compared to traditional guitars. The intricate design and craftsmanship involved in creating these instruments necessitate specialized luthiers and unique materials, driving up the overall production costs.

• Precision and Accuracy: Achieving the varying scale lengths on multiscale guitars requires precise calculations and meticulous execution during construction. This precision is essential for optimal intonation and playing comfort, but it also adds to the complexity and time required for crafting these guitars.
• Specialized Tools and Techniques: Luthiers building multiscale guitars employ specialized tools and techniques to shape the neck and fretboard to accommodate the varying scale lengths. This specialized craftsmanship demands a high level of skill and experience, which is reflected in the cost of these instruments.
• Custom Design and Setup: Unlike traditional guitars with standardized scale lengths, multiscale guitars often require custom design and setup to meet the individual player’s preferences. This involves adjusting the scale length of each string to optimize intonation, string tension, and playing comfort, adding to the overall cost of the guitar.
• String Selection and Intonation: The varying scale lengths on multiscale guitars necessitate careful string selection and intonation adjustment. Luthiers must consider the string tension, elasticity, and tonal characteristics to ensure each string performs optimally on its respective scale length, which can involve experimenting with different string gauges and materials, further contributing to the cost of these guitars.

The higher cost of multiscale 6 string guitars is justified by the specialized construction, precision craftsmanship, and custom design that go into creating these unique instruments. While they may have a higher initial cost, multiscale guitars offer exceptional intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility, making them a worthwhile investment for discerning guitarists.

7. Availability

The availability of multiscale 6 string guitars is a factor that influences their accessibility and presence in the guitar market. While not as widely available as traditional guitars, multiscale guitars are gaining popularity and becoming more accessible to guitarists.

• Limited Production: Multiscale guitars are typically produced in smaller quantities compared to traditional guitars, as the
  y require specialized luthiers and a more complex construction process. This limited production contributes to their lower availability in the market.
• Growing Demand: Despite their limited production, the demand for multiscale guitars is growing among guitarists who recognize their advantages in intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility. This increasing demand is driving manufacturers to expand their production and distribution channels.
• Online Availability: The internet has played a significant role in increasing the availability of multiscale guitars. Online retailers and specialized guitar stores offer a wider selection of multiscale guitars, making them accessible to guitarists in different regions and countries.
• Custom Orders: Some luthiers and guitar builders specialize in crafting custom multiscale guitars tailored to the specific preferences of guitarists. While custom orders may take longer to complete, they offer a unique opportunity to acquire a multiscale guitar that meets the player’s exact requirements.

The growing popularity of multiscale 6 string guitars is bridging the gap in availability compared to traditional guitars. While they may still be less common in guitar stores, the increasing demand, online availability, and custom order options are making multiscale guitars more accessible to guitarists seeking their unique advantages.

8. Popularity

The growing popularity of multiscale 6 string guitars is directly tied to their unique advantages in intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility. Guitarists who seek to enhance their playing experience and explore new sonic possibilities are increasingly recognizing the benefits of multiscale guitars.

Improved Intonation: Traditional guitars often struggle with intonation issues, especially on the lower strings. Multiscale guitars address this problem by employing varying scale lengths across the strings, ensuring accurate intonation at every fret. This improvement allows guitarists to play with greater precision and confidence, without the worry of notes sounding out of tune.

Enhanced Playing Comfort: The varying scale lengths on multiscale guitars also contribute to increased playing comfort, particularly for guitarists with smaller hands. The shorter scale length on the higher strings makes it easier to reach and fret the strings, reducing strain on the wrist and fingers. This enhanced comfort allows guitarists to play for longer periods without experiencing fatigue or discomfort.

Expanded Tonal Versatility: The varying scale lengths on multiscale guitars result in a wider range of tonal possibilities. The longer scale length on the lower strings produces a fuller, warmer sound, while the shorter scale length on the higher strings emphasizes harmonics and overtones, creating a brighter, more articulate sound. This tonal versatility enables guitarists to explore a diverse range of musical genres and playing styles, from jazz and blues to rock and metal.

Real-life examples of renowned guitarists who have embraced multiscale 6 string guitars include Tosin Abasi of Animals as Leaders, Mark Holcomb of Periphery, and Yvette Young of Covet. These guitarists have not only showcased the technical capabilities of multiscale guitars but have also contributed to their growing popularity within the guitar community.

Understanding the connection between the popularity of multiscale 6 string guitars and their unique advantages in intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility is crucial for guitarists seeking to elevate their playing experience. Multiscale guitars offer a compelling alternative to traditional guitars, providing a combination of precision, comfort, and sonic exploration that is unmatched.

Key Insights:

• Multiscale 6 string guitars address the intonation issues commonly found in traditional guitars.
• The varying scale lengths enhance playing comfort, especially for guitarists with smaller hands.
• Multiscale guitars offer a wider range of tonal possibilities, allowing guitarists to explore diverse musical genres and playing styles.

Frequently Asked Questions about Multiscale 6 String Guitars

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions regarding multiscale 6 string guitars, providing informative answers to help you better understand these unique instruments.

Question 1: What is a multiscale 6 string guitar?

A multiscale 6 string guitar is a guitar with varying scale lengths across the strings, meaning that the strings have different vibrating lengths. This design differs from traditional guitars, which have a uniform scale length for all strings.

Question 2: What are the advantages of a multiscale 6 string guitar?

Multiscale 6 string guitars offer several advantages, including improved intonation, increased playing comfort, and a wider range of tonal possibilities. The varying scale lengths address intonation issues common in traditional guitars, especially on the lower strings. Additionally, the shorter scale length on the higher strings enhances playing comfort, particularly for guitarists with smaller hands. The varying scale lengths also result in a wider range of tonal possibilities, allowing guitarists to explore diverse musical genres and playing styles.

Question 3: What are the disadvantages of a multiscale 6 string guitar?

Multiscale 6 string guitars have a few potential disadvantages. They are generally more expensive than traditional guitars due to their specialized construction. Additionally, they may be less widely available, as they are not as commonly produced as traditional guitars. However, the advantages of multiscale guitars often outweigh these disadvantages for guitarists seeking improved intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility.

Question 4: Are multiscale 6 string guitars difficult to play?

Multiscale 6 string guitars are not inherently more difficult to play than traditional guitars. In fact, many guitarists find them easier to play, especially those with smaller hands. The varying scale lengths can take some adjustment, but most guitarists adapt quickly and find the benefits outweigh any initial challenges.

Question 5: Are multiscale 6 string guitars suitable for all playing styles?

Multiscale 6 string guitars are suitable for a wide range of playing styles, from jazz and blues to rock and metal. The varying scale lengths provide a well-balanced and versatile sound that can adapt to different genres. However, guitarists who primarily play in standard tuning may not find a significant advantage in using a multiscale guitar.

Question 6: How do I choose the right multiscale 6 string guitar?

Choosing the right multiscale 6 string guitar depends on your individual preferences and playing style. Consider factors such as the scale length range, body shape, and pickup configuration. Research different models and read reviews to find a guitar that meets your needs. If possible, try out different guitars before making a decision to experience the feel and sound firsthand.

In summary, multiscale 6 string guitars offer unique advantages in intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility. While they may have a higher cost and limited availability compared to traditional guitars, the benefits often outweigh these considerations for discerning guitarists. Understanding the key features and potential drawbacks of multiscale guitars will help you make an
informed decision about whether these instruments are right for you.

Transition to the next article section: Exploring the Sonic Possibilities of Multiscale 6 String Guitars

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Multiscale 6 String Guitar

Whether you’re a seasoned guitarist or just starting your journey with a multiscale 6 string guitar, there are some essential tips that can help you unlock its full potential and elevate your playing experience.

Tip 1: Explore Different Tunings

Multiscale guitars offer a unique opportunity to experiment with different tunings due to their extended range of intonation. Try out various tunings, such as drop tunings or open tunings, to discover new sonic possibilities and expand your musical vocabulary.

Tip 2: Utilize the Tonal Versatility

The varying scale lengths on multiscale guitars result in a wider range of tonal possibilities. Experiment with different string gauges and pickup configurations to find the perfect combination that complements your playing style and desired sound.

Tip 3: Embrace the Ergonomic Benefits

Multiscale guitars are designed to enhance playing comfort, especially for those with smaller hands. Take advantage of the shorter scale length on the higher strings to improve your fretting and reduce strain on your wrist and fingers.

Tip 4: Practice Intonation Adjustment

While multiscale guitars provide improved intonation, it’s still important to fine-tune each string to ensure optimal accuracy. Use a tuner and adjust the intonation screws on the bridge to achieve precise intonation across the entire fretboard.

Tip 5: Choose the Right Setup

A proper setup is crucial for maximizing the playability and tone of your multiscale guitar. Have your guitar professionally set up by a qualified luthier to ensure the action, intonation, and overall feel meet your preferences.

Summary of Key Takeaways or Benefits

By following these tips, you can harness the unique advantages of your multiscale 6 string guitar. Experiment with different tunings, explore the tonal versatility, embrace the ergonomic benefits, practice intonation adjustment, and choose the right setup to unlock its full potential and elevate your playing experience.

Transition to the article’s conclusion

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding musician, incorporating these tips into your practice routine will empower you to master your multiscale 6 string guitar and create music that resonates with your audience.

Conclusion

The multiscale 6 string guitar has emerged as a groundbreaking instrument, redefining the boundaries of guitar design and sonic possibilities. Its unique construction, featuring varying scale lengths across the strings, offers a multitude of advantages that cater to the needs of discerning guitarists.

Multiscale guitars excel in intonation, providing accurate and consistent tuning across the entire fretboard. They enhance playing comfort, making them ideal for guitarists with smaller hands or those seeking reduced strain on their wrists and fingers. Furthermore, the varying scale lengths unlock a wider range of tonal possibilities, enabling guitarists to explore diverse musical genres and create unique sonic landscapes.

While multiscale guitars may have a higher cost and limited availability compared to traditional guitars, their exceptional intonation, playing comfort, and tonal versatility make them a worthwhile investment for guitarists seeking to elevate their playing experience. By embracing the multifaceted potential of multiscale 6 string guitars, musicians can push the boundaries of their creativity and create music that captivates and inspires.