Author Topic: Tuning Up  (Read 1344 times)

mikeguywest

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Tuning Up
« on: September 20, 2013, 05:32:46 PM »
I'm wondering if any of you keep a separate guitar, or go to the trouble of tuning up your guitar in order to avoid using a capo? I only use a capo on the first and second fret as I rarely need to adjust beyond that. My angst is that I really don't prefer the tone compromise when using a capo. I'm a strummer and use open chords. Would strings be more prone to break to tune up that much? How about tension on the neck, any foreseeable problems there? Would the tone be the same as using a capo?
P.S. there are a couple of chords I literally HATE using (F & B), so I use a capo to avoid these.

S MS Picker

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Re: Tuning Up
« Reply #1 on: September 20, 2013, 06:39:30 PM »
Tune down a full step w/the next heavier set of strings.Capo @2 for standard tuning.
We did "Smoky Mountain Christmas"  a few years back, and most tunes were in "F" for our Star vocalist. Worked great. Might require a slight truss rod adjustment.
Steve
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Louis

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Re: Tuning Up
« Reply #2 on: September 24, 2013, 08:15:19 AM »
Not right now but for getting the 556ce 12 string mahogany soon with a  Heavier  set of strings tuned B. To B and gonna have a anther Taylor , don't know yet what model but gonna tune it down 1/2 a step or certain song that want to pull on your vocals a bit, Always on my mind is one of them .Lots of times you'll go a open mic and they are turned down like this cause it's easier on the singers that go on stage .Im running my 314 ce for normal tuning right now
« Last Edit: September 24, 2013, 08:18:37 AM by Louis »
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MikeB

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Re: Tuning Up
« Reply #3 on: October 04, 2013, 07:35:11 PM »
IF you are going to tune up a step use lighter strings.  Definitely extra tension on the string and the neck.

paul_zm

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Re: Tuning Up
« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2013, 09:39:02 PM »
I use altered tunings and have never been a fan of even the best capo. But it's easier when you mainly play solo guitar.  :)

However, I don't think there's any need for concern on guitar stress with tuning up/down...not with a modern, professional-grade instrument.

Jersey tuning

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Re: Tuning Up
« Reply #5 on: November 10, 2013, 07:46:02 AM »
3 alternatives: multiple guitars, learn alternative fingerings or chord substitutes for F and B, or practice lots! 

On the subject of multiple guitars, I'm currently considering a  baritone guitar to help me avoid capoing up 5-7 frets on certain songs.  And Taylor will tell you you can tune down 2 or 3 tones if you put on heavier strings on a standard tuned guitar. So set up a second guitar.

As for chords, I overcame the F fretting issue with practice--this is a critical shape to master as you can slide it up the fretboard and easily play every major chord. Until you get more comfortable, substitute a D minor 7, which is an F chord without fretting the fourth string. Much easier to play and an interesting sub. Also try F major 7, which eliminates fretting the high E string

 I transposed every song with a B to avoid that chord for 40 years, until I stumbled on the B 7 chord played on strings 3 4 5--its a D7 shape with finger 1 on 5th string 2nd fret, middle finger 4th string first fret, ring finger 3 rd string 2 nd fret and optional pinky on first string 2 nd fret.  All of a sudden playing in E is fab.
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mikeguywest

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Re: Tuning Up
« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2013, 12:24:52 PM »
That's a nice variety of options! Thanks for the input. I had already started substituting the Fmj7 for the F and that seems to be working fine. I'll try the B7 option next time I have a need for B.