Why do people tune half step down on their guitars?

[Samuelch]

Kind of curious...I was watching Collective Soul on youtube doing an acoustic rendition of the song "Shine"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omn_BQv-V8g

I really dig the song and haven't heard it in awhile, so I took out my guitar and began playing it...when I noticed the guitars were tuned a half a step down...

I read around some blogs stating that it helps with vocals - any other reasons why?

[Hambone]

Easier for the singer to sing.. Easier for the guitarist to bend...

[Andromeda]

My Taylor GS5 I am getting will be tuned a whole step down. There are many songs in their original chord progression that lose something when just transposed to a different key. This way I can play the same chord progressions but sound a whole step lower.

Also, there are some songs in the keys of F, B-flat or E-flat that sound better when played on a guitar tuned down a whole step. Sure I can place a capo on the guitar and I often do, and will still do, but some songs in the key of F for instance sound really great tuned down and played out of G position.

It really creates more options for different sounds...and justifies buying another guitar!!!!

[12 string]

If you play in a group with wind instruments and/or keyboards, these instruments tend to favor the flat keys just as the guitar favors the sharp keys. Using familiar chord shapes while tuned down gives you Ab, Db, Eb, and Gb. Capoing up two frets Gives you Bb, F, and alternate position choices for Db, Eb, and Ab. This can make things very handy and simplify things on stage.

' Strang

[Rescon]

Cause my Peterson tuner was "tweeked" by my 2 yr old son
and I'm slowwwww.....

[ljguitar]

Hi Samuel…
In addition to all that has been posted, some guitars just sound better tuned down 1/2 step (has to do with the resonant frequency of the guitar).

Phil Keaggy tunes down ''about'' half step when he plays solo - and he alternate tunes on top of it...

[15 Man]

Originally Posted by 12 string

If you play in a group with wind instruments and/or keyboards, these instruments tend to favor the flat keys just as the guitar favors the sharp keys. Using familiar chord shapes while tuned down gives you Ab, Db, Eb, and Gb. Capoing up two frets Gives you Bb, F, and alternate position choices for Db, Eb, and Ab. This can make things very handy and simplify things on stage.

' Strang

Exactly! I also do it because as "ljguitar" alluded to I think my guitar sounds better that way. It also facilitates string bending when doing solos. It also results in a little less string tension on the neck which isn't a bad thing either.

[Chazmo]

One other reason (though all the other ones are good)... neck stress. All of my 12 strings are downtuned at least a 1/2 step. Not that they can't be tuned up to pitch, but I rest a little easier with down-tuning.

[mercy]

hand or wrist problems

[Neil K Walk]

For the same reason some people use capos. To change the timbre of the guitar's tone. It also has the side benefit of reducing string tension which subsequently makes the guitar easier to play and less susceptible to long term damage from string tension.

[Samuelch]

Well I decided to tune my Martin a half step down...it actually resonates a little more and plays a lot better than when it was tuned standard...Also, it does help a lot in terms of singing...awesome, thanks everyone for the responses!

[dweezil]

Most of my acoustics are tuned down a 1/2 step, then often to Open D or DADGAD or somesuch. So often the bottom string is actually a C#! Man thats low . I prefer the feel and tone detuning produces.

As I play solo it doesn't matter whether I'm at concert pitch.

Just try it and see if you and your guitar like it.

[Q714]

I tune down 2 whole steps on All Hog Collings 00 12 fret. I use 80/20 Curt Mangan medium set. The Collings can take it, built like a tank. E chord then sounds in C pitch, Great for Deepest Blues !

[ericcsong]

Originally Posted by Chazmo

One other reason (though all the other ones are good)... neck stress. All of my 12 strings are downtuned at least a 1/2 step. Not that they can't be tuned up to pitch, but I rest a little easier with down-tuning.

is it more neck stress or topwood stress? or even both? I know on my cedar top, if I want Med strings on it, my luthier recommends a half step down to relieve stress on the cedar top

[IPlay2]

When I gig solo, I use both of my Taylors, and my 710 is always tuned down a 1/2 step for certain songs.