1/4 step?

[Sandman_96707]

If the distance of one fret is a half step, except between notes B&C, how would a guitar be tuned down 1/4 step?

[SteelSlider]

Hey Sandman.

I don't think there is such an animal as a 1/4 step.
The steps refer to the EFGABCD notes.
Between E & F is one fret or half a step. There is no b or #.
Between F & G is two frets or one step. There is a b or #.

What the difference is, is that there are flats (b) or sharps (#) inbetween the one step tunings.
I've never heard of 1/4 step tuning.

Did someone tell you about 1/4 step tuning? Or were you just wondering?

Ok, I just looked at my Seiko ST-909 Tuner.
Yeah, it can be done, but you'd have to figure it out. Not me. Hee hee.

There is a needle that spans numbers of -50 to +50 with 0 in the middle representing 'perfect' tuning.
-50..............0...............+50 Like that.
You'd have to figure out the needle reading on B, then C. Half it and then you'd have your 1/4 step. I'm guessin' here, but I'd say it'd be + - 25.
Hope that helps. Wha' cha gonna use 1/4 step down or up for? What kind of music do you play? Just curious.

[Andrew]

I've seen that before, it means that either the guitarists and bassists tuned to each other and were slightly out of tune or the recording was sped up or slowed down. They didnt purposely tune to this tuning.

[disturbed_pyro]

the only time i've seen a 1/4 step was about bends. it was a small, barely noticable bend tho.