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-   -   CGCGGC Tuning (https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=269924)

johnd 10-22-2012 01:55 PM

CGCGGC Tuning
 
I was looking up how to play a Ben Howard song and most versions use this tuning. I've literally never retuned from EADGBE so for CGCGGC would I take every string down, or would any go up?

kscobie8 10-22-2012 02:04 PM

I'd take them all down. Only way I'd go up is if using higher gauge of strings on the ones you want to tune up.

Along with that same thought, I might swap out some of the strings for a lower gauge when tuning down the strings, like the 1st, 2nd, and 6th strings.


Bel isi,
-kyle

geordie 10-22-2012 02:04 PM

1st and 2nd strings down as with the rest

Jeff Scott 10-22-2012 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kscobie8 (Post 3217248)
I'd take them all down. Only way I'd go up is if using higher gauge of strings on the ones you want to tune up.

Along with that same thought, I might swap out some of the strings for a lower gauge when tuning down the strings, like the 1st, 2nd, and 6th strings.


Bel isi,
-kyle

Isn't this backwards?

Bill Reid 10-22-2012 07:43 PM

Seems like a strange tuning; no third in the open chord. Are you sure it's not CGCGCE? All altered strings tune down except the 2nd, which tunes up to C. Use standard gauge or the lower strings may buzz. I like the tuning, and keep a 12-string in it. Also have a chord chart for it that I created back in the '60s (nothing fancy); you're welcome to a copy.

kscobie8 10-22-2012 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Scott (Post 3217502)
Isn't this backwards?

.si ti, seY :)

Thanks for the clarity.


Bel isi,
-kyle

johnd 10-23-2012 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Reid (Post 3217556)
Seems like a strange tuning; no third in the open chord. Are you sure it's not CGCGCE? All altered strings tune down except the 2nd, which tunes up to C. Use standard gauge or the lower strings may buzz. I like the tuning, and keep a 12-string in it.

I couldn't comment but I've seen the same song tabbed a few times using that tuning and it sounds pretty good.

I don't think the intro would work (and it sounds right) with an E... try for yourself. Here's him playing, it's a lovely tune.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw99fWK_q9k

I down-tuned everything, since I don't have a surplus of guitars I had to use the existing strings. It's pretty OK but the low E down all the way to C is a bit loose. Using another D-string might be easiest for that one string but I'm not really bothered enough to start hot-swapping strings!

Quote:

Also have a chord chart for it that I created back in the '60s (nothing fancy); you're welcome to a copy.
That would be cool to have a look at if you're offering. I reckon they won't have aged too much :)

geordie 10-23-2012 06:48 AM

yeah, typed in CGCGGC Tuning
lodsa stuff on it

If you are dabbling in alternative tunings it's handy to know a bit about string gauges / pitches / tensions and what works, thats what Ben Howard has done.
You cant just wish yourself into existence as something or someone.

johnd 10-23-2012 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by geordie (Post 3217896)
You cant just wish yourself into existence as something or someone.

I'm not sure if that's your life philosophy or specific advice :)

Also I searched "CGCGGC Tuning" and the top link is referenced against Ben Howard. Surely he didn't invent it!

geordie 10-23-2012 08:18 AM

http://www.kennaquhair.com/ustcv202.zip

http://www.daddario.com/DADProductDe...__Light__12_53

JoeCharter 10-23-2012 08:22 AM

I think the anseer to the OP's question is a lot more elementary.

The third string wouldn't change, all others need to be tuned down.

la palma C 10-23-2012 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Reid (Post 3217556)
Seems like a strange tuning; no third in the open chord. Are you sure it's not CGCGCE? All altered strings tune down except the 2nd, which tunes up to C. Use standard gauge or the lower strings may buzz. I like the tuning, and keep a 12-string in it. Also have a chord chart for it that I created back in the '60s (nothing fancy); you're welcome to a copy.

The tuning doesn't have to contain a third and a fifth to be useful. Several of my favorite artists have songs played in DADDAD, and Nick Drake notably used BEBEBE tuning on From the Morning and Time of No Reply

Craviola 10-23-2012 10:29 AM

I enjoy the various C tunings. Once you get there this site might help as it tabs out the various scales in this tuning as well as many others. Good luck and have fun with it.

http://www.gtdb.org/tuner/cgcggc/scales/#.UIbFcMXR4kR

james84 10-23-2012 12:01 PM

Yep, an open C5 tuning - can be quite useful!

murrmac123 10-23-2012 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by la palma C (Post 3218103)
The tuning doesn't have to contain a third and a fifth to be useful.

Gotta have one or t'other (if not both) , otherwise you end up with DDDDDD ...


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