Nonlinear Harmonic Modes of Steel Strings on an Electric Guitar
Faculty Sponsor(s)
Michael Crosser
Location
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Subject Area
Physics/Applied Physics
Description
Steel strings used on electric and acoustic guitars are notorious for imperfect intonation. According to theory, this intonation should be a function to the bending stiffness of the string, which is related to the dimensions of length and thickness of the string. To test this theory, three sizes of solid steel strings were analyzed on an oscilloscope using a Fast Fourier Transform function. We found that strings exhibited more drastic nonlinear harmonic behavior as their effective length was shortened, and, at a given length, thicker strings were more skewed than thinner strings.
Recommended Citation
Wenrich, Joel, "Nonlinear Harmonic Modes of Steel Strings on an Electric Guitar" (2016). Linfield University Student Symposium: A Celebration of Scholarship and Creative Achievement. Event. Submission 57.
https://digitalcommons.linfield.edu/symposium/2016/all/57
Nonlinear Harmonic Modes of Steel Strings on an Electric Guitar
Jereld R. Nicholson Library: Grand Avenue
Steel strings used on electric and acoustic guitars are notorious for imperfect intonation. According to theory, this intonation should be a function to the bending stiffness of the string, which is related to the dimensions of length and thickness of the string. To test this theory, three sizes of solid steel strings were analyzed on an oscilloscope using a Fast Fourier Transform function. We found that strings exhibited more drastic nonlinear harmonic behavior as their effective length was shortened, and, at a given length, thicker strings were more skewed than thinner strings.
