Beatrice Lang
The 5-string electric mandolin is a unique instrument that offers a range of sounds and playing styles. With its five strings, it provides a broader range of notes and melodies compared to the traditional mandolin. The tuning of these five strings is an important aspect that influences the overall sound and playing technique. Some common tunings include CGDAE, DGDAE, and G D G D with a stepped nut. The scale length of the strings also plays a role in the comfort and playability of the instrument, with longer scales allowing for better tension and thinner strings. The 5-string electric mandolin has a distinct sound, with some models featuring a warm, organic tone, and others offering thick, rich, and bright clean tones as well as distorted sounds.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Strings | Custom Gauge set made by GHS (0.050, 0.034, 0.026, 0.015, 0.010) |
| Tuning | CGDAE, DAEB, EBF#C#, G D G D, D G C E A, E A D G C |
| Pickup | Alnico 5 magnet hand wound, custom-designed pickup with 6500 turns (per coil) of 42-gauge copper wire |
| Pickup Bobbins | Walnut |
| Truss Rod | Fully adjustable modern 2-way |
| Bridge Saddles | Individually adjustable |
| Controls | Standard volume and tone, with the addition of the coil split function |
| Scale Length | 17" or longer |
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What You'll Learn
Tuning the C string
Tuning a 5-string electric mandolin can be a challenging task, especially for beginners. The process involves adjusting the strings to achieve the desired pitch and tone, with the goal of having the instrument in tune with itself and, if desired, with another instrument. Here are some detailed instructions specifically focused on tuning the C string of a 5-string electric mandolin:
Choosing the Right C String:
The C string requires a heavier string to achieve the desired tension without becoming too thick, which can make it uncomfortable to play. It is important to select the appropriate string gauge for the C string to ensure it can be tuned accurately and maintain good tension.
Standard Tuning for the C String:
The standard tuning for a 5-string electric mandolin is CGAE from low to high. This means that the lowest string, closest to the floor, is tuned to C. However, it is not uncommon for players to experiment with alternative tunings to suit their preferences or the style of music they play.
When tuning the C string, it is important to tune up instead of tuning down. Start by tuning the string below the desired note and then tune upwards to reach the correct pitch. This helps to settle the tension in the string towards the gear and prevents the string from going flat. Use an electronic tuner to accurately adjust the C string to the correct pitch, ensuring that it is in tune when played individually and also when played together with the other strings.
Alternative Tunings for the C String:
Some players choose to experiment with alternative tunings for their 5-string electric mandolin. For example, if the C string is floppy, it can be tuned up to D, resulting in the tuning DGDAE. Alternatively, the C string can be tuned to G, which changes the tuning to GDAE. These alternative tunings offer different sonic possibilities and can better suit certain playing styles or musical genres.
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String gauge and tension
For a 5-string electric mandolin, the string gauge set can be customised to your preference. For example, the Sparrow Thunderbird 5-string mandolin offers a custom gauge set made by GHS, with string gauges ranging from 0.010 to 0.050. The high E string, or the first string, typically has the smallest gauge, while the low C string, or the fifth string, has the largest gauge.
Finding the right string gauges for your 5-string electric mandolin involves considering the scale length of your instrument. A longer scale length will require thicker strings to achieve the desired tension. For instance, a 17-inch scale length may be more comfortable with a 0.074 gauge C string, while a 15-inch scale length might allow for a slightly thinner string without sacrificing tension.
Tension can also be adjusted by tuning your strings to different notes. For instance, you could tune your C string to G, which would require a thinner string and result in lower tension. Additionally, you could explore alternative tunings such as EBF#C# or DAEB, which can provide new dimensions to the sound and playability of your mandolin.
Ultimately, the choice of string gauge and tension is a personal preference, and you may need to experiment with different options to find the setup that feels and sounds the best for you.
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Pickups and tone
The 5-string electric mandolin is a versatile instrument that combines the range of a mandolin and a mandola. Its extended range facilitates more complex chord voicings and allows for greater soloing capabilities. To get the most out of this instrument sonically, let's take a closer look at pickups and tone:
Pickups play a crucial role in capturing the sound of your 5-string electric mandolin and translating it into an electrical signal that can be amplified. One popular pickup type for this instrument is the humbucker pickup, as seen on the Gold Tone GME-5 mandolin. Humbucker pickups are designed to provide a full, robust sound without the issue of feedback. They are often preferred for their ability to deliver a warm, rich tone while rejecting unwanted noise.
The GME-5 mandolin also showcases the importance of individual string adjustment. Its cast metal bridge allows for fine-tuning the height and compensation of each string, ensuring optimal sound quality and intonation across the entire range of the instrument. This level of adjustability gives players the ability to customise their instrument's tone and ensure consistent playability.
When it comes to strings, the Gold Tone EMS5 5-string mandolin uses custom-gauge, nickel-wound strings. The specific gauges (.011, .016, .026w, .040w, and 0.52w) contribute to the overall tone and playability of the instrument. String choice can greatly impact the brightness, warmth, and longevity of your mandolin's sound. Experimenting with different string types and gauges can help you find the ideal tone that suits your musical style and expression.
Additionally, the GME-5 mandolin features volume and tone controls, providing further flexibility in shaping your sound. With these controls, you can adjust the overall volume output and fine-tune the brightness or warmth of your tone to suit different musical contexts. Whether you're playing rhythmically alongside other instruments or taking the lead with intricate solos, these controls empower you to find your sweet spot in the mix.
Lastly, the design of the mandolin's body and neck also influences its tone. The GME-5's solid alder body contributes to a full, resonant sound, while its slim maple neck with an integral fretboard provides maximum playing ease. The traditional black dot fret markers add a touch of classic styling to the instrument. All these elements come together to not just define the tone but also enhance your overall playing experience.
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Scale length
The scale length of a mandolin is the distance between the nut and the bridge. The scale length of a 5-string electric mandolin is typically between 14 and 18 inches. The most common scale lengths for 5-string mandolins are 14.5 inches, 15 inches, and 18 inches.
A longer scale length will result in a lower pitch, while a shorter scale length will result in a higher pitch. For example, a 15.5-inch scale length can be tuned down a full step and used with a capo, which can be removed to play open strings with lower notes. However, a longer scale length may make it more difficult to chord, as it requires covering more frets. Some players find that a scale length of 15 inches is too long for them to transition from a standard-scale mandolin.
The scale length also affects the string tension. A longer scale length will result in higher string tension, while a shorter scale length will result in lower string tension. For example, a 14.5-inch scale length is preferred by some players as it provides a well-balanced string tension across the courses.
The ideal scale length also depends on the desired tuning of the mandolin. For example, the CGDAE tuning is preferred by some players as it allows them to cover low chords while playing high over everybody else. However, achieving a low C may require a longer scale length.
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Playing style and technique
The 5-string electric mandolin is tuned in 5ths, as opposed to the 4ths tuning of a standard mandolin. This gives the instrument a closer range to the guitar while retaining the 5th tuning. The standard tuning for a 5-string electric mandolin is CGDAE, with the lower C string adding another dimension to the sound.
The 5-string electric mandolin has a longer scale length than a standard mandolin, which allows for good tension on the C string without it being too thick to play comfortably. The strings are custom gauge, with a standard volume and tone control. The pickup is a custom humbucker, hand-wound in-house, which gives a thick, rich, bright, and clean tone, as well as distorted sounds. The action is low and light, with a smooth and ergonomic feel.
When playing the 5-string electric mandolin, the lower C string allows for two octaves to be played in the key of D, and a note lower than D while still in the scale. In the key of G, the lower C string can be used to harmonize below, again allowing for two octaves. The A string provides a C natural for blues and an easy C# for a low third when improvising.
The 5-string electric mandolin can be played in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, and popular music. The standard tab and notation can be used, but for a lower sound, the musician can drop down a fifth.
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Frequently asked questions
Some tuning options for a 5-string electric mandolin are CGDAE, EBF#C#, DAEB, and CGDA.
A recommended string gauge set for a 5-string electric mandolin is Custom Gauge by GHS, with string thicknesses of 0.050, 0.034, 0.026, 0.015, and 0.010.
A recommended resource for learning to play the 5-string electric mandolin is the YouTube channel of Hayes Griffin, a mandolin player and teacher who has experience building and playing a 5-string mandolin.
A 5-string electric mandolin offers greater versatility in playing pieces in their original keys, and the lower C string adds another dimension to the sound.
