Standard tuning vs dropped tuning

[johnallg]

It was just easier to play it in D and not Eb. So he sang a little lower. Saves all the retuning. Besides, who could afford two good guitars back then?!

[gray]

I generally play in standard tuning, because so much of the music my bands play is in standard. However, I do venture into the drop D range sometimes, and I've noticed that my 4003s, both current and previous, have both done really well. I don't keep it down there for long, but they're not too floppy or anything. Even my old 4001 does well down there.

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

I'm surprised and not surprised all at once. I understand how that half step would offer a teensy bit of relief from some high notes...but I would definitely hear the pitch difference all night long, and it would bug me. It just seems odd to change the key of every song just to accommodate for the few that present challenges with high notes---and a half step doesn't really offer much in the long run. I would opt to either transpose key, or modify the melody to suit the singer. I mean, if you can't hit the note, don't.

And here I am sounding all authoritative...sheesh... just another opinion.

[kcole4001]

I'm not much of a singer, but they always say "it does make a difference", so we do it.

I just think of it as stress relief for my bass' necks!

[lyle_from_minneapolis]

And the singer's!

[jeff_ulmer]

I play in Eb, always have. Tuning down is the only way to be able to execute the music I write on guitar, it would be physically impossible to play the parts in standard tuning in Eb - there would be no bottom.

When playing in Db or Bb I use a 5 string bass, I want low, not that wimpy high D or B as a foundation.

[will_nesbitt]

Well if Rickenbacker ever made a 7 string guitar, I'd buy and use that. But, they don't. So I tune mine to drop B, as you probably know by now. I say it enough times .

Yes, the tones does change, the top sting is a bit loose and hard to tune up, but it's worth it though for the kind of music I play. And if I need to tune higher, I simply whack a capo on. Putting a capo on the 5th fret gives you an idea of what it's like to play a 3/4 scale guitar...

But I suppose there's one advantage I have over all you guys: my strings are gonna last longer

I'll agree with you about 5 string basses though. Far far better if you get the chance to keep it low, beefy and bassy instead of having to resort to going for the octave above