P4 tuning

[Greywolf]

As I was going through my Jazz Guitar forum posts I came across a discussion on the merits of P4 tuning * tuning in perfect 4ths.

Being a Viola~Violin~Mandolin player I've always enjoyed the 5ths tuning for its symmetry

Bass is the exception not being really a part of the Viol family it is tuned in 4ths * like electric bass.



I play in open tunings Frequently, so I thought I'd take a peek:


P4 tuning — also called All Fourths or Perfect 4ths — is a regular guitar tuning where every open string is a perfect fourth (five semitones) apart from the next. This creates a highly symmetrical fretboard, making it easier to copy shapes and move patterns across the neck.

In standard tuning, the G–B string pair is a major third, breaking the perfect fourth pattern. In P4 tuning, that gap is filled by adjusting the top two strings so all open strings are perfect fourths apart. The most common P4 setup is E–A–D–G–C–F (low to high)

Some players also tune down from the high E, giving Eb–Ab–Eb–Gb–B–E


Advantages

• Symmetrical fretboard: All adjacent strings are the same interval, so chord shapes and scales can be moved freely without relearning fingerings

Easier to copy shapes: You can transpose patterns across the neck without adjusting for the major third in standard tuning

Reduces memorization: Many chord patterns repeat in a regular way, so you only need to learn a small set of shapes

Familiar to other instruments: Similar to bass guitar, piano, and string family tunings


Disadvantages

• Not ideal for standard music: Barre chords and some common voicings are harder to play because the major third is missing

Learning curve: You’ll need to adapt fingerings for the top two strings (one fret lower in the E–A–D–G–C–F version)

Practical tips

• Chord shapes: In P4 tuning, many major and minor chords can be played in just a few positions, and they repeat across the fretboard

Scale movement: The C major scale, for example, has a regular pattern that repeats every four frets

Popular players

• Stanley Jordan — jazz guitarist known for using P4 tuning to simplify the fingerboard

Allan Holdsworth — has stated he’d re-tune the guitar to P4 if learning it again


In short: P4 tuning is a regular, symmetrical alternative to standard guitar tuning that can make learning and playing more intuitive, especially for those who value symmetry and pattern repetition. It’s popular in jazz, rock, and experimental music, but may require adaptation for standard pop/classical repertoire

There's more on Wiki https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_fourths_tuning

 

[Offshore Angler]

It's a weird tuning. Not sure what the upside is. I understand and use some weird tunings like E modal for CSN or even dropped G for Z Z Top, but those are for a specific sound. I guess whatever floats your boat go for it.

The problem with P4 is it requires a BIG stretch. Stanley Jordan's entire technique is so different that it really doesn't relate to most playing. I dig his vibe but he never picks a note.

 

[Maguchi]

Well it sounds kind of interesting. I can see it as something to play around with and see if it's something to change to for some youngsters in there 20s. But I been playing in E standard for so long, I'd hate to have to go back and relearn how to play in a P4 tuning now.

 

[Offshore Angler]

Just remember that different tunings always result in the song sounding different. Example: You can play the Stone's Start Me UP in standard but it will sound nothing like the open G tuning it's recorded in. Suite Judy Blue Eyes is impossible in standard tuning.

CSN. Black Crows, Spinal Tap, B-52's, wherever you hear a distinctive guitar vibe that's usually a different tuning. I guess the point I'm trying make but doing a bad job of is that you need to learn songs in the tuning they were recorded in. Just changing tuning and keeping the same repertoire and trying to keep the sound the same usually won't work. It will make things harder, not easier. But learning alternate tunings is a great way to develop your ears. After a while you'll listen to a recording and instantly recognize the tuning used. The bell went off for me on Jesus Just Left Chicago when I realized the second string is tuned down from A to G. Suddenly I could easily recreate the Rev's vibe I had been searching for.

Chuck