How to Tune to Major Thirds (EG#CEG#C)
Major-thirds tuning spaces every string a major third apart (E-G#-C-E-G#-C), so the octave repeats every three strings. Championed by jazz guitarist Ralph Patt, it makes augmented symmetry, close-voiced chords and fingering patterns identical all over the neck.
| String | Note | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | 82.41 Hz |
| String 5 | G#2 | 103.83 Hz |
| String 4 | C3 | 130.81 Hz |
| String 3 | E3 | 164.81 Hz |
| String 2 | G#3 | 207.65 Hz |
| String 1 | C4 | 261.63 Hz |
String Tension & Setup Tips
Recommended Gauge:The B string tunes up to C and several inner strings shift; because the pattern is compact, the top strings sit near standard tension. Check tunings carefully as the intervals differ from standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tune to major-thirds tuning?
From standard tuning (EADGBE), retune each string low to high: 6th E (unchanged), 5th A→G#, 4th D→C, 3rd G→E, 2nd B→G#, 1st E→C. Match each string to its exact Hz using the interactive tuner above.
Why use major-thirds tuning?
With every string a major third apart, chord and scale shapes are identical across the fretboard and four-note chords fall under the hand easily. Ralph Patt developed it for jazz voicings.