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KentNZ wrote:Kinda sideways on the topic but... if tuning down, does the band (ala U2 etc) have to follow you tuning wise or do you play everything up a half step?

Thinking that's sounds like a really dumb question. But as someone who's a 'rostered player' playing with different people a lot, there just isn't the scope to tune down. Would like to try it on the strat.

KentNZ wrote:

KentNZ wrote:Kinda sideways on the topic but... if tuning down, does the band (ala U2 etc) have to follow you tuning wise or do you play everything up a half step?

Thinking that's sounds like a really dumb question. But as someone who's a 'rostered player' playing with different people a lot, there just isn't the scope to tune down. Would like to try it on the strat.

I think most people would tune to the right tuning for each song, rather than playing up a half step.


I mean you *could* if you really want, of course

I've seen some people have capo at fret 1. I'm assuming they're tuned down and then capo up just for tension?!

KentNZ wrote:I've seen some people have capo at fret 1. I'm assuming they're tuned down and then capo up just for tension?!

Mostly they'll be just doing it to be in standard again, it will still have lower tension than the same guitar normally would in E-standard

Exactly. Seems a lot of fuss but must have an effect.

Light gauge and high tension > heavy gauge and little tension.
See: ibanez with 9s vs. mustang/jag with 12s

Single coil wrote:Light gauge and high tension > heavy gauge and little tension.
See: ibanez with 9s vs. mustang/jag with 12s

There is a balance there though, because as gauge goes up so does tension!

To get heavy gauge with little tension you'll have to tune down to C.

(which tbh is a different equally awesome sound).

Trying to play C standard with a set of 9's on new 25.5 scale gat at the moment. Its pretty sloppy... but the bends go for ever!

dayl wrote:Trying to play C standard with a set of 9's on new 25.5 scale gat at the moment. Its pretty sloppy... but the bends go for ever!

Woah - I use 12s for C# and its still not the tightest

i had a set of 008-038's on my 30" baritone tuned to E standard for a while,played AMAZEFUL

That 30" tho haha

sirvill wrote:

dayl wrote:Trying to play C standard with a set of 9's on new 25.5 scale gat at the moment. Its pretty sloppy... but the bends go for ever!

Woah - I use 12s for C# and its still not the tightest

yeah man, I have a set of 12-60 heavies waiting here. Will swap over when I swap out the pups etc

Shorter scale length equates to less string tension.
That's probably why I didn't get along with the jag I had.

Put 11's on my SG but I top wrapped them to compensate slightly. So far I like it, just feels more positive under the fingers. Sounds a bit more full to my ears but its hard to judge as these are a different brand and brand new.

I don't think I ever had anything more than 10 on the 61ri. Shit that was a good guitar.
Believe it had 9s on when I got it