I'm most familiar with all 5ths tuning like on a tenor banjo. I have also experimented with all 4ths by tuning my Vagabond travel guitar in all 4ths EADGCF. To that end, I thought I would jot down some compare/contrast notes about each tuning.
-Easier to play in any key.
-Utilizes closed shapes, doesn't rely on open strings.
-Pattern oriented.
-You can play melodies anywhere on the fretboard, not just first position.
-You have more fingering choices for how you want to play a melody and sometimes you might have the same note in two places.
-Due to the way the strings are spaced, you might have string jumps that you wouldn't have in all 5ths tuning.
-Due to the shorter range from string to string, it's better to have 5 or 6 strings like on a guitar rather than 4 like on a violin.
-Works for guitar length scale of 25 inches, although could also work for a shorter scale length.
All 5ths
-Suited to fiddle tune repertoire.
-Wider intervals means you rely on open strings to play melodies.
-You tend to stay in first position.
-Only needs 4 strings total or 5 at the most.
-Best for shorter scale instruments like 21-inch scale or shorter.
-Some say the 5ths interval has more resonance or a more pleasant harmony than 4ths.
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