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The Robert Fripp Guitar Tuning: Demystifying the NST

As a huge King Crimson fan, Robert Fripp’s otherworldly guitar work has always captivated me. A big part of his sound lies in his unique tuning system – New Standard Tuning (NST). Intrigued by its potential, I decided to embark on a journey to understand and master NST.

This guide shares the knowledge I’ve gathered, offering a roadmap for fellow guitarists interested in exploring the Robert Fripp guitar tuning. Let’s delve into the world of NST!

Unveiling the Mystery: What is NST?

NST throws the familiar EADGBE tuning out the window, offering a fresh perspective on the fretboard. Instead of the standard fourths with a major third thrown in, NST relies on perfect fifths for most of its string configuration (C-G-D-A-E-G). 

This seemingly simple change unlocks a treasure trove of new melodic possibilities. The emphasis on perfect fifths allows for smoother movement across the fretboard, opening doors to unique voicings and melodic lines that wouldn’t be readily available in standard tuning. 

Additionally, NST’s use of open strings takes on a whole new meaning. Chords can be constructed in ways that utilize the open strings as foundational elements, creating expansive and shimmering textures that redefine the sonic possibilities of the guitar. 

Finally, NST acts as a bridge between the guitar and instruments like the cello and violin. The string configuration shares similarities with these instruments, making it easier for familiar shapes to be translated onto the NST fretboard. 

How to Tune to Robert Fripp’s New Standard Tuning?

First, let’s revisit the string configuration for NST: C (low E string) – G – D – A – E – G (high E string). Compared to standard tuning (EADGBE), you’ll be tuning the bottom string down to C, the top string up to G, and adjusting the middle strings accordingly.

Tuning Tools:

  • Electronic Tuner: An electronic tuner is your best friend for achieving accurate tuning. Most tuners offer chromatic tuning, which will be helpful for NST. Check out some of the best guitar tuners.
  • Reference Pitch: You can use a tuning fork (C tuning fork recommended) or a reference tone from a tuner or online source to ensure your starting pitch is accurate.

Tuning Steps:

  • Tune down your low E to C. 
  • Tune down the A string to G (perfect fifth up from C).
  • The D string remains the same (perfect fifth up from G).
  • Tune up the G string to A (perfect fifth up from D).
  • Tune up the B string to E (perfect fifth from A)
  • Tune up the E string to G (minor third from E).

There you go. It might seem like your two thinnest strings are about to break, and I have to warn you: that can happen. NST tuning requires higher tension on some strings compared to standard tuning. 

This leads us to a bit of science that Fripp followers always love: string gauges.

Perfect String Gauge for the Robert Fripp Guitar Tuning?

String gauges designed for standard tuning (EADGBE) might be too light for the increased tension on certain strings in NST (particularly the A, D, and G strings). This can lead to intonation issues and a higher risk of string breakage.

The low C can be too loose, while high strings can break.

Many NST players opt for string sets that are a bit heavier than their standard tuning counterparts. This helps maintain proper tension and reduces the risk of breakage.

Here are some specific gauges that NST players commonly use:

  • .011 – .052 or .011 – .058: These are popular choices for acoustic guitars set up for NST. They offer a good balance between playability and tension.
  • Manufacturer’s NST sets: Some string manufacturers offer pre-packaged sets specifically designed for NST. These sets typically have gauges optimized for NST tuning.

This is all for acoustic guitars. For electric guitar, Robert Frip used the following gauges:

  • 0.010
  • 0.012
  • 0.016
  • 0.024
  • 0.038
  • 0.052

The Origins of New Standard Tuning (NST)

New Standard Tuning (NST), with its unique sonic landscape, has become synonymous with the otherworldly guitar work of Robert Fripp. But how did this innovative tuning system come to be?

Let’s delve into the history of NST and explore its fascinating journey.

The Early Days: A Seed is Sown (Pre-1980s)

While the exact origins of NST remain a little hazy, some speculate that Fripp’s experimentation with tuning began in his early years. Influences from various musical traditions, particularly those that emphasized open strings and perfect fifths, may have played a role. 

It’s possible that Fripp, always seeking new sonic possibilities, started exploring alternative tunings even before the formation of King Crimson.

King Crimson and the Birth of NST (1980s)

The 1980s marked a turning point for both Fripp and the development of NST. King Crimson’s sound began to incorporate elements of minimalism and mathematical principles. 

Fripp’s experimentation with tunings intensified during this period. The specific configuration of NST (C-G-D-A-E-G) is believed to have emerged around this time.

There are several theories surrounding the rationale behind NST. Some suggest it arose from a desire for a tuning system that offered a more logical and symmetrical layout on the fretboard. 

Others point to its potential for creating new melodic and harmonic possibilities that deviated from the traditional major and minor scales.

NST Takes Center Stage (1990s-Present)

By the 1990s, NST had become a defining characteristic of Fripp’s guitar sound. Albums like “The ConstruKction of Light” and “The Dream King” showcased the full potential of NST, with Fripp weaving intricate textures and hypnotic melodies.

Over the years, NST has continued to evolve and inspire other guitarists. Its emphasis on open strings and perfect fifths has resonated with players seeking to explore new sonic territories. While not as widely adopted as standard tuning, NST has carved a unique niche in the world of guitar tunings.

The Guitar Craft Courses by Robert Fripp — A Music Course and a Way of Life

One of the ways Fripp passed on his NST tuning was through the courses he named Guitar Craft.

The course is not just about shredding on the guitar, but about building a relationship with the instrument, the music, and yourself. While a big part of these courses revolves around New Standard Tuning (NST), it’s just one piece of the puzzle.

Guitar Craft is all about fostering a deeper connection with music. It goes beyond technical skills and encourages you to see the guitar as a tool for personal growth and expression. Sure, they teach you specific techniques, but they focus on efficient playing methods that work particularly well with NST.

Here’s where NST comes in. Guitar Craft uses NST as its main tuning because it simplifies the fretboard. 

Of course, you don’t have to take a Guitar Craft course to learn NST. There are plenty of resources online and instructional materials out there. 

The point is, NST is an innovative tuning system that opens doors to a world of unique soundscapes, and whether you explore it through Guitar Craft or on your own, it’s definitely worth the adventure.

Useful Sources

If you’re willing to learn all there is about NST, I recommend the official Wiki article. It tends to be a bit technical, so if you’re new to guitar, you might find it a bit confusing.

I also enjoyed reading this discussion on Reddit about the advantages and drawbacks of using the Robert Fripp guitar tuning.

Finally, I recommend reading this interview with Fripp, which isn’t all that much focused on NST, but you can get a sense of Fripp’s personality and philosophy, which resulted in his masterful guitar work.