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Fret markers.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:20 pm
by Renee Labordus
For lack of a place to ask this question, I put it here.
Feel free to move to a more appropriate place.

I am a classical guitar player and most classical guitars generally don't come with fret markers. The why reason is a whole other debate among classical guitar players. Beginning student are known to mark their fret board with whiteout for temporary aid in their studies at the 5th, 7th, 10th and sometimes the 12th.

I am at the point of installing the fret markers on my KMG OM. I noticed a fret marker to be placed at the 9th fret. (and not the 10th as I would have expected)
First...am I correct in my observation? And second I am interested in the reasoning for the fret marker at the 9th fret. (obviously the 10th fret makes more sense to me musically anyway, and the reason for my question.)

Thanks,
Renee

Re: Fret markers.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 4:48 pm
by ken cierp
9th is the major 3rd natural harmonic --- why does a marker at the 10th make musical sense to you?

Re: Fret markers.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 5:16 pm
by Dave Bagwill
I don't know why - but gypsy guitars mark at the 10th fret as well. Maybe just tradition?

Re: Fret markers.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 5:23 pm
by John Parchem
I expect the fret marker on the 9th fret for the reason Ken gave.

Re: Fret markers.

Posted: Mon Sep 15, 2014 5:52 pm
by Renee Labordus
Yeah...I also agree with Ken's logic.

The reason it didn't make sense to me initially is that I know many pieces that progress from a lower position on the neck directly to either the 7th or 10th, or 12th position for a measure or two and then back down. Thus the markers at those frets. Right at this moment I just can't visualize a piece that progresses me to the 9th. But I am sure that is probably the case. I play from music mostly, so often times I have no idea what fret I am on (my eyes are on the music lol). I relate to notes on the neck, not necessarily what fret I am on. If that makes sence.

As a side note. I googled this issue a little while ago. And found no reason that really explained it.
Ken's explanation makes sense. 9th fret it is from my OM. It btw sounds super good.