• Registered: 2009-06-05
  • Posts: 55

Topic: Tuning down a whole step

I am trying to learn a song that is made up of G-D-Em-C chords (easy enough for a beginner like me).
It is tuned down, so it would be F-C Dm-Bb in normal tuning.
I tuned my guitar down a whole step but I think it sounds better in standard tuning.
Why is this?

  • From: montreal, quebec
  • Registered: 2007-04-17
  • Posts: 327

Re: Tuning down a whole step

I am taking a guess that its tuned down to fit to the singers voice. jimi hendrix and SRV both tune thier guitars a half step down. if you think it sounds better in standard tuning and that works for you by all means play in standard tuning

what a long strange trip it's been
  • NELA
  • Honoured Member
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  • From: West Monroe, La. 71292
  • Registered: 2007-11-28
  • Posts: 1,303

Re: Tuning down a whole step

All songs are keyed to the singers voice (or should be). Keep in mind that if you are playing in a band or just performing solo the person(s) singing control the key. Regardless of what key a song is recorded in you can change the key to fit the singer voice by either transposing the chords or using a capo to bring the song into the proper key for yourself. This may be only a half-step or it can be anywhere your voice takes you. This just takes a little practice but once learned it becomes 2nd nature.

Nela

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