Question on tuning down with a capo ....

[55fmj]

I am just curious. When tuning down a half step and then putting a capo on the first fret, does it change the tone from just the regular tuning at all ?

Thanks

[Larry Pattis]

Originally Posted by 55fmj

I am just curious. When tuning down a half step and then putting a capo on the first fret, does it change the tone from just the regular tuning at all ?

Thanks

Yes it does....

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by 55fmj

I am just curious. When tuning down a half step and then putting a capo on the first fret, does it change the tone from just the regular tuning at all ?

Thanks

Hi 55fm…
It can.

It's a free experiment if you already own the guitar and capo……

[55fmj]

I will probably try it this weekend. Like you said...it is free !. Does it add any more bass to the sound even though you have capo'd back up to essentially standard tuning ? Thanks

[eno55]

Originally Posted by 55fmj

I am just curious. When tuning down a half step and then putting a capo on the first fret, does it change the tone from just the regular tuning at all ?

Thanks

Yes ,your tension is not the same and your top will resonate different,
good or bad? who knows try it and see how you like it...

[LiveMusic]

It seems that, in general, you get less volume with the capo.

[kerrinsdad]

i would say a 'different' timbre and usually a little better playability..perhaps less volume...
as suggested it's a free trial!

[55fmj]

Is there much of a difference when you are plugged in and running through a PA ?

[Misifus]

So far as the effect goes, do it! Surely you've got a capo, try it and see for yourself how it goes.

-Raf

[Doubleneck]

Its cheap. I'm using it plugged in doesn't seem to affect much except make it a little easier to play. But main reason to do this is to give your voice a lower pitch on some songs which can make a huge difference. I can do some old Neil Young song with that just half step help. Also a A Day In The Life using the chords Lennon did but the half step give me the range to high the high notes.
Steve

[Wisp]

Yup the tone/timbre is different because instead of resonating between the nut and bridge, the string is resonating from the first fret to the bridge, which gives it different characteristics/timbres. The materials at the end, bone as opposed to metal, are different, as well as the length and tension of the string.

[pieterh]

It should be different, softer, a little warmer maybe. I have just answered a post on the Taylor page re short scale necks and I imagine that the effect here will be somewhat similar, ie the strings will be under slightly less tension at the same pitch.

[cookn]

I have a Tacoma DF18 that I tune down a whole step. It is easier to play, it seems easier to play with less string tension, freting seems easier and the neck is a little wider which is great for my blunt fingers. I like it. I do take the capo off when I am not playing.