Question:
Anyone playing 1/2 step down for the entire show? My band wants to do it. The advantages are obvious. Are there any disadvantages? And, what do you use to tune 1/2 step down?
thanks

Answer:
The only disadvantage that i can think of is if you have a vocalist with a limited range. It could cause problems but most likely won't.
Start in standard tuning and use your ear or have the keyboard player (if you have one) to get in tune. Some electronic tuners can be adjusted to be 1/2 step down also.
You would be in good company, Jimi, SRV, etc.

Answer:
The advantages are obvious. they're not that obvious to me. what are the advantages? less pressure on the strings?

Answer:
Advantages:
Not as much tension on the strings.
Singer is now singing 1/2 step down too..Easier on their vocal cords.
Makes learning Hendrix and SRV songs easier..They play 1/2 step down, always.

Answer:
My band plays in Eb all the time. The advantage is that many of the songs we cover have really high vocals, and it makes it easier for our singer to sing the parts.
Both myself and our bass player have BOSS TU-2 tuners on our pedal boards, which lets you set it for half a step down.
As for playing, it does make string bending easier, and I think the tone is a little grittier.
I don't really find any disadvantages, though I wouldn't use anything lighter than 10s.

Answer:
If you play with horns it can help. They are naturally in flat keys.

Answer:
I tune everything I've got to eb, and I play 9's.. Works fine for me.

Answer:
I think all tuners could tune your guitar 1/2 step down?

Answer:
My band plays in Eb all the time. The advantage is that many of the songs we cover have really high vocals, and it makes it easier for our singer to sing the parts.
Both myself and our bass player have BOSS TU-2 tuners on our pedal boards, which lets you set it for half a step down.
As for playing, it does make string bending easier, and I think the tone is a little grittier.
I don't really find any disadvantages, though I wouldn't use anything lighter than 10s. Ditto to all of this, except we play a whole step down.

Answer:
i keep my guitars in Eb all the time.
if the need arises to IMMEDIATELY PLAY IN STANDARD, just drop a capo on the first fret.

Answer:
The last band I put together agreed to tune to Eb which was a big help since I sang 80% of four sets and alot of the artists we were covering were tuned down. Great for string benders and strat players with bright single coils. SRV's tech said this tuning destroyed speakers. Maybe or Maybe just the fact he played LOUD. My current band I sing 4 Srv;s and one Hendrix in standard and it makes a big difference. Next band I insist were going to D!

Answer:
The 2nd last guy we tried out for guitar player insists on tuning down to Eb. So we do it to humour him. Then the dude doesn't even want to try and sing!
FAIL!
I think it's all BS unless you like using heavy gauge strings and you are a shitty singer or one who doesn't like to work too hard because it's long night ahead of you.

Answer:
I've always hated doing it. To me it always seemed like cheating just to make it easier to bend the strings.

Answer:
I guess it's cheating because you don't have to learn chords in the flat keys.
It's an education tho'.

Answer:
Anyone playing 1/2 step down for the entire show? My band wants to do it. The advantages are obvious. Are there any disadvantages? And, what do you use to tune 1/2 step down?
thanks I don't see many major disadvantages. I finally talked my bass player into it several years ago. For every song that has low notes that are tough to push out, there are tons of songs that it will help on the top side of the vocal range.
And most who do so, do it totally or nearly so, not just sporadically. I use a tuner to tune regardless of the tuning used, along with fretting and comparing strings.

Answer:
I've always hated doing it. To me it always seemed like cheating just to make it easier to bend the strings. Geez! So using lighter strings is cheating too? Are you aware that there are no laws against bumping up a hair in string size to counteract the lower tuning?

Answer:
Hendrix, SRV, Van Halen and all the ole classic rockers (famous ones that are still singing) can't all be wrong. Some do a whole step down. Anyone ever "not" go to one of their concerts because they play 1/2 step down?

Answer:
I think all tuners could tune your guitar 1/2 step down? Of course.

Answer:
Geez! So using lighter strings is cheating too? Are you aware that there are no laws against bumping up a hair in string size to counteract the lower tuning? hrmm...I'll have to check the florida statutes and get back to you on that one.

Answer:
If you cover a song that's in Eb and change the key to E, the singer sings 1/2 step higher than the original. Depending on MELODY this may or may not be a problem. Changing keys in any way( tuning, capo) or just playing the same tune in a different key will change the flavor. Musician's have ALWAYS played to the vocalist's pref. or range. For a long time. It's not a macho thing, relax. Like some said it's not about string tension that can be adjusted for the feel you like. Drawbacks are learning songs in standard tuning or if your band uses cd's to learn at practice. If it was cheatin' to tune down to Eb, I would be in Ab and a huge star.
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