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If you want to be a total geek about it, the classical formula for the
frequency of a vibrating string is:
f = (1 / 2L) * SQRT(T / u)
where
f = frequency
L = length of the string
T = tension
u = linear density of the string
So lets say we play open A on a Strat. In order to play the same
pitched open A on a shorter scale Jaguar (smaller L) with the same
type of strings, we need to make T smaller to make everything equal
out. So the the tension on shorter scale guitars is a bit lower IF you
use the same type of strings (same density).
The above analysis ignores the break angle over the bridge..it just
assumes the string is fixed at 2 points. You could probably assume
that for a strat, but maybe not for a Jazzmaster/Jaguar. That
complicates things further :-)
BN
(former Physics minor)
