Reversed Guitar Stringing and Tuning for Chord Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for learning to play the guitar are inefficient as they require memorization of each chord without a natural progression, making it difficult for individuals to learn and play effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a unique guitar tuning and stringing configuration where the sixth string is at the bottom, forming a 'perfect fifth' with the bottom three strings, allowing for easier chord formation by following the musical scale, and utilizing a Chord Card for guidance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional guitar learning methods are used where each chord must be memorized individually, then complete chord knowledge can be achieved, but the learning process becomes inefficient and lacks natural progression

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelearning efficiencyVSAvoidtime required to learn chords

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the tuning parameter of the guitar strings from traditional tuning to a modified tuning where the 6th string is tuned to D instead of E. This parameter change creates a perfect fifth relationship between the bottom three strings (D-A-D), enabling a systematic approach to learning chords through scale patterns rather than individual memorization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the guitar chords into three-string chord foundations that can be systematically built upon. By focusing on the bottom three strings first with the modified tuning, learners can master basic chords and then progressively add more strings and complexity in a structured progression

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If traditional stringing configuration is used with heavy strings at the top and light strings at the bottom, then conventional playing technique is maintained, but chord formation becomes more difficult and requires more finger pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of chord formationVSAvoidfinger pressure required

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional stringing approach by repositioning the lightest string (1st string) to the top of the fret board and the heaviest string (6th string) to the bottom, which is the reverse of traditional guitar configuration. This inversion, combined with the modified tuning, creates easier chord formation with reduced finger pressure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20200193856A1Method of learning, teaching, and playing guitar

Publication Date: 2020.06.18 CHASON WILLARD BRIAN

AI summary

A method of stringing and tuning and learning to play a guitar. The strings are first reversed from a traditionally strung guitar. The guitar is strung such that a first string (lightest) is at a top of the fret board and a remainder of the strings are disposed consecutively from top to bottom until a sixth string, which is at the bottom of the fret board. The method further includes tuning the guitar so that the first string plays an E note, the second string plays a B note, the third string plays a G note, the fourth string plays a D note, the fifth string plays an A note, and the sixth string plays a D note.