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Down Tuning
Hi Everybody - I've been learning to play very slowly (must be the age) and have not done alot of the tuning of my guitar myself but I was told I could down tune pretty quick by down tuning one string. Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks :D
# 1
Sounds like Drop D tuning.
Basically, you tune the bottom E string down to a D.
All it really does though is allow you to get a nice bass sound on a D chord and allow you to do a couple of lead tricks that aren't possible otherwise.
You might be more interested in something like open G tuning which allows you to just barre all the strings to get different chords.
There's a lesson with different tunings on GuitarTricks
http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=1754&s_id=7
as well as a tuner with sound files, but you might need full access to get them.
Basically, you tune the bottom E string down to a D.
All it really does though is allow you to get a nice bass sound on a D chord and allow you to do a couple of lead tricks that aren't possible otherwise.
You might be more interested in something like open G tuning which allows you to just barre all the strings to get different chords.
There's a lesson with different tunings on GuitarTricks
http://www.guitartricks.com/lesson.php?input=1754&s_id=7
as well as a tuner with sound files, but you might need full access to get them.
# 2
Thanks for the heads up. So its drop tuning not down tuning. Well I'll keep trying cause hopefully one of these days I'll actually get it right for a change. :o
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# 3
Originally Posted by: drivingburntThanks for the heads up. So its drop tuning not down tuning. Well I'll keep trying cause hopefully one of these days I'll actually get it right for a change. :o
Actually the correct term is "Drop D Tuning"... cause that's basically what you're doing. Dropping the E string down to a D.
# 4
I play with drop D sometimes and it's fun, a lot of bands like System of a Down use it. Quick way to drop D is tune 12th fret harmonic on the sixth string to an open fourth string.
Drop C is fun too... even lower. Tune to drop d, then drop 1-5 strings down a step too, then drop D down a step to D.
That's probably a terrible explanation. I found it gets in the way of progressing with the basics when I spend time messing with tuning though!
Drop C is fun too... even lower. Tune to drop d, then drop 1-5 strings down a step too, then drop D down a step to D.
That's probably a terrible explanation. I found it gets in the way of progressing with the basics when I spend time messing with tuning though!
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# 5
Just a little tip. When drop d tuning, just make sure the 7th fret on the low e string sounds like the standard tuning of the A string when its open. Quick and easy way.
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# 6
Thanks for all the tips people. Here come another idiotic question but is this the same as when someone says to step it down a half step? You'll have to start a forum to explain the lingo to us old farts. I can't wait until I learn how to shred (whatever that is) :eek:
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# 7
Originally Posted by: drivingburntThanks for all the tips people. Here come another idiotic question but is this the same as when someone says to step it down a half step? You'll have to start a forum to explain the lingo to us old farts. I can't wait until I learn how to shred (whatever that is) :eek:
Tuning down a half step is as you suggest - dropping every note a semi-tone flat (Hendrix and SRV did this - as do many others), so tune the guitar to Eb Ab Db Gb Bb eb...
Shredding is a (usually derogatory) term for playing fast... it usually means the use of technique to the point of being counter productive to the music.... I like to think I buck the trend... :D
'Drop' tunings are usually called that because only one string gets de-tuned... BUT... then system of a down use 'Drop D down 1half step' which is Db Ab Db Gb Bb eb - but people still called it dropped D. All you can do is use what you can read as a guide, and then your ears to tell you if you're right.
It gets easier with time....honest... ;)
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# 8
Yeah, Van Halen tuned down by one note as well.
Probably so that the singer could hit the high notes more easily, and it also loosens up the guitar strings so that bends are tapping are easier to play.
It used to really piss me off having to retune my guitar all the time whenever I learned a Van Halen tune :) Not to mention that you could never play the song live and have it sound exactly like the album. You couldn't afford to have a second guitar sitting around tuned down a whole step for just a couple of songs so you always played it in 440.
Probably so that the singer could hit the high notes more easily, and it also loosens up the guitar strings so that bends are tapping are easier to play.
It used to really piss me off having to retune my guitar all the time whenever I learned a Van Halen tune :) Not to mention that you could never play the song live and have it sound exactly like the album. You couldn't afford to have a second guitar sitting around tuned down a whole step for just a couple of songs so you always played it in 440.
# 9
Originally Posted by: schmange
All it really does though is allow you to get a nice bass sound on a D chord and allow you to do a couple of lead tricks that aren't possible otherwise.
Not to mention one-fingered power chords, which are really nifty and a great way to start off learning power chords.
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# 10
Originally Posted by: schmange...so you always played it in 440.
Is that a Hz measurement? Like 440Hz = Standard EADGBe?
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# 11
Originally Posted by: LeedoggIs that a Hz measurement? Like 440Hz = Standard EADGBe?
Sorry, yeah.
It's just short speak for standard tuning.
440Hz is usually printed on tuners as the point where the guitar is actually in tune.
Like when the VU meter is dead center, you get a green light and the needle is pointing at 440.
Don't have a clue why but that's what I've always called it.
# 12
Also annoying is playing along with songs that are just a hair off of standard. "Jesus Just Left Chicago" is one for example. I found after tuning to the song and checking my tuner, it was around 443hz...close, but far enough off to make you cringe. The A string is also dropped to G...that I wouldn't mind...but having to redo all the other ones too is such a hassle I'll usually skip it when it comes up on my guitar playalongs playlist.
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# 13
Originally Posted by: R. Shackleferd...my guitar playalongs playlist.
What's that and where do I get one?
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# 14
Oh, that's just what I call the (Windows Media Player) playlist I made that is a conglomerate of fun songs to...well, playalong with. :)
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# 15
Makes sense. I was thinking of some ubercool piece of software you might've had :D
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# 16
Yep, I have to go from Eb tuning and tune up a little to play along with some Pantera songs. I think Dime called it tuning down a c hair flat or something.
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# 17
Originally Posted by: schmangeSorry, yeah.
It's just short speak for standard tuning.
440Hz is usually printed on tuners as the point where the guitar is actually in tune.
Like when the VU meter is dead center, you get a green light and the needle is pointing at 440.
Don't have a clue why but that's what I've always called it.
From My understanding it's called "A 440Hz" and it's the amount of vibrations per second (I believe) that the lowest "A" note produces when in tune. The "A Octive" has twice as many vibrations (A 880Hz). They say if you have a Male/Female duet, the female will sing an octive higher than the male because of genetics, so they can both harmonize in tune.
# 18
Yeah, sounds right.
I dunno why, but every tuner I've got has "440" at the top of the VU meter whether it's tuning an A note or not.
Maybe that's where the shortspeak comes from... seeing 440 all day long, you just naturally think of it when you describe standard tuning.
I'm not even sure if anybody else uses this phrase besides me.
I've always said '440' when talking about standard tuning, so that might explain the puzzled looks I get from people :)
I dunno why, but every tuner I've got has "440" at the top of the VU meter whether it's tuning an A note or not.
Maybe that's where the shortspeak comes from... seeing 440 all day long, you just naturally think of it when you describe standard tuning.
I'm not even sure if anybody else uses this phrase besides me.
I've always said '440' when talking about standard tuning, so that might explain the puzzled looks I get from people :)
# 19
Yeah, I usually call it that too. Just 440. I assumed it was almost common knowledge with musicians.
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# 20
