PDA

View Full Version : origin of octave tuning



billkilpatrick
Mar-06-2004, 6:25am
dear all -

the subject of tuning in octaves has come up on the lute site and i'd like to know if there is any evidence - western european or middle eastern - to suggest where this tuning originated from and when.

just off hand i'm inclined to think it is a western european invention. the charango has an octave 3rd course but it, like the mandolin, is primarily used for melody - not strumming - and in my experience, that octave course sounds like a tin can, rattling around at odd intervals. it detracts rather than adds to the melody.

any thoughts?

sincerely - bill