String Tension

[tommy_gpl13]

Hey everybody,

I am building my first guitar and I have some questions about string tension. I understand that the scale length has and string gauge has a huge effect on string tension. I also know that the higher the string tension, the more likely of the string to break.
But what are the effects of string tension on the playability of the guitar? For example, what would the difference (high tension vs. low tension) be for things such as:

Sliding? Bending? Hammer-on? Pull-off? Fretting?

[tippie53]

The key here is transfer of energy . Long scale is one of my favorites as you have more energy available for the guitar. I use medium strings. The guitar can handle the load so don't fret too much about it . Sorry I just love that bad pun.

[tommy_gpl13]

Thank you, but I dont believe you really answered my question.

[chimpotle]

I'm a fellow beginner, and dont have a fraction of the knowledge of guitar building that the average forum member here does, but might i make a suggestion?

Take whatever guitar you play now, and tune it to standard A440. Do your slides, bends hammer-ons, etc for a while. Then tune down a 1/2 step. See what kind of a difference that makes to you.

For what its worth coming from a noob, I think your fret work and set-up will have the most impact on your ability to easily slide, hammer on, bend and pull off.

[B. Howard]

I too prefer a long scale, it lends itself to drop tunings better than a shorter scale. And in all honesty most players will not really feel differences in playability caused by sale length, as long as we are talking in the normal range of 24.5"-25.5". Quality of fretwork, set-up, fretboard radius and neck profile I think have a bigger impact on the things you are asking about. This is not to say scale length does not play a role in them, it's just not a major one. Scale length can affect the color of the tone to some degree, but tone is a very subjective subject. That was my bad pun to counter johns :-)

[tommy_gpl13]

Thank you Brian. but your answer has now brought up some new questions.

I have seen choices between high frets vs low frets, how will the playability be affected by those?
When you say fretboard radius, is that just the distance across the fretboard? or does that include the size and curvature of the neck? and how does that affect it (say large vs small radius)?
Also I'm a little confused as to what you mean by neck profile, could you please explain to me what that is?

[chimpotle]

Fretboard radius is the radius across the fretboard - how much curvature across the fretting surface.



Neck profile is the size and shape of the neck.

[hummingbird]

Short scale length equals less string tension
Light strings equal less tension
Therefore easier on the fingers

Long scale with medium strings is harder on the fingers but you get used to it.

That's the way I finger it anyway... Sorry couldn't help myself

[deadedith]

I think you're all a little high-strung.

[tippie53]

I will say that it is more than string tension . It is also part of what Howard is saying but then the guitar itself can help in how the guitar feel . Most string breakage has a reason , not scale length related. Lets look at what can make one guitar softer feeling than another.
The neck and top will move as the string vibrates. The saddle and top also can move then we have the nut. The height of the action also has a direct feel.
The key to a good feeling instrument is all in the set up of the fretboard , nut and saddle. The lower the action can be the less work you have to put into it. The way the strings will pull on the bridge and how the saddle bridge work together makes the top move , so in essence the strings will get tighter as you fret . The top will move and some tops move more than others. The farther the braces is from that point the more flexible the top under the bridge . There are plenty of variable here so there is no one answer.
Brace location in relation to the bridge and the bridge design also play a part , so as you can see , there are many reasons , It is good that you are questioning this , as it shows you are thinking about the mechanics of the guitar. Strings can take a good bit of tension and breakage will happen from time to time but I have not broken a string in 6 years.
Sharp corners , too tight of a nut slot are more reasons for breakage . Too sharp of an angle over the saddle can also cause string failure.
I hope this helps you.