Tuning a half step down - Page 2

Brucebubs · #16 10-23-2018, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donlyn

Didn't know you did that, but it makes sense with all the 12's you have. Tuning down a half step is the sweet spot for my 12's. Been known to keep a 6er tuned down a half step if I'm expecting company.
You know, just in case.

Don

That's exactly how I started too.
Just found it easier to keep them all tuned down the same.

Acoustic Al · #17 10-23-2018, 07:43 PM

My wife always points out when she feels a song is out of my range too. I have an easier way to fix it. I just take it out of the set list. Lol. Too many good songs, to get hung up on a few that don't fit my voice.

guitar george · #18 10-23-2018, 08:35 PM

Can anyone sing "It's only Make Believe" by Conway Twitty or "To Love Somebody" by the Bee Gees without tuning down or singing in a lower key?

robj144 · #19 10-23-2018, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdelsolray

Standard pitch means A = 440 Hz (5th fret of the first string). All other strings are tuned relative to this reference.

Tuning down ½ step means A = 428 Hz. Again, all other strings are tuned relative to this reference.

First off, you wouldn't really change the reference note. Just flat all notes.

Secondly, Ab = 2^(-1/12)*440 Hz = 415.30 Hz, not 428 Hz. I'm curious where 428 Hz came from though.

doublescale1 · #20 10-23-2018, 08:55 PM

The male vocalist I accompany likes to tune down 1/2 step to Eflat for everything. I either play my Martin 000-18 or Taylor 322ce, both short scale guitars down that half step, and I've not changed my string - Elixir Nanoweb lights for the Taylor, Marting SP lights for the 000-18. both guitars sound really good to FOH that way, and the vocalist is comfortable singing, which makes for fun gigs.

Rogerblair · #21 10-23-2018, 09:08 PM

I tune down a half step on my J45, using lights. No problems at all and it sounds HUGE. At 72, it helps with my Roy Orbison tunes.

Rb

Charlieb · #22 10-23-2018, 09:15 PM

12's and tune down up to 2 whole steps, seriously try a whole step, you might be well pleased

sdelsolray · #23 10-23-2018, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robj144

First off, you wouldn't really change the reference note. Just flat all notes.

Secondly, Ab = 2^(-1/12)*440 Hz = 415.30 Hz, not 428 Hz. I'm curious where 428 Hz came from though.

Wrong number is where it came from.

lar · #24 10-23-2018, 10:09 PM

So if you tune a half-step down (w/o using a capo), and then play an F-chord (the shape and frets that you would play when tuned to std tuning), it really is an E-chord?

So if you want an F-chord when tuned down 1/2 a step, you would have to really play an F# shape baring the 2nd fret?

All chords need to be transposed like this on every song?

robj144 · #25 10-23-2018, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lar

So if you tune a half-step down (w/o using a capo), and then play an F-chord (the shape and frets that you would play when tuned to std tuning), it really is an E-chord?

So if you want an F-chord when tuned down 1/2 a step, you would have to really play an F# shape baring the 2nd fret?

All chords need to be transposed like this on every song?

That's correct.

KenL · #26 10-24-2018, 04:00 AM

I use Elixir Lights and they sound just fine tuned down 1/2 step. And my vocals really appreciate it, especially in "C". For other keys I just move my capo around until I find the sweet spot for my voice, usually the 3rd or 4th fret.

I recently played 5 songs at an open mic with my old Guild D-46 tuned down, and received rave reviews from the sound man and the other players for the way it sounded. One guy even came out of the audience as I was stepping down from the stage and fired a bunch of questions at me about it.

AndyC · #27 10-24-2018, 04:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lar

So if you tune a half-step down (w/o using a capo), and then play an F-chord (the shape and frets that you would play when tuned to std tuning), it really is an E-chord?

So if you want an F-chord when tuned down 1/2 a step, you would have to really play an F# shape baring the 2nd fret?

All chords need to be transposed like this on every song?

Yes - or you could just use a capo on the 1st fret ....

rokdog49 · #28 10-24-2018, 06:02 AM

I play in a duet involving Harmonca and Mandolin as well as a second guitar. Anyway, tuning down a half step doesn't help me at all. Where possible, I change the key as long as I can maintain the integrity of the vocals. Where not possible, I either work on the vocals to hit the high notes or move on to another song.

varmonter · #29 10-24-2018, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyC

Yes - or you could just use a capo on the 1st fret ....

This is what i do. Sometimes you can't find that
sweespot with a song. I am a baritone. the key of G in first position does not
always work for my voice. capo up say to fifth
fret and playing in c may sound good vocally
but not always a good tone for the song on the guitar.
sometimes tuning down 1/2 step is just enough
to make the vocals work in that first position
only now in Gb. It screws with folks playing with
you. if they are watching you.andvyour playing with a capo and they are not

Slothead56 · #30 10-24-2018, 10:43 AM

OP here. Thanks for the feedback.

I tuned down a half step on the OM 21(rosewood), the OM42K (Koa) and the old rosewood Gurian jumbo with the loooonnnnggg scale. First, I got what a needed vocally. Going to help a lot.

The big surprise is the the 40 year old Gurian is ringing like a bell! It sounds utterly fantastic. Like I’ve never heard it before. Can’t explain it (I’m sure someone here can) but it has absolutely come alive. Same strings i’ve always used. Really remarkable.