Author Topic: Tuning from standard E to Drop C (Read 12996 times)

Shag101 · « **on:** November 16, 2005, 07:27:49 PM »

Hi All,

I have what might be a dumb question..lol

i finally ordered my 1st pair of BKP's. The bridge is a warpig. I get my guitar setup for standard E. If i go an drop it to drop c for that chugga chugga sound or double power chord sound would that be jeopardizing my neck being that the tension is no longer there?? Since i got a neck through i am very careful how i treat the guitar since a new neck would be out of the question.... thanks

Ratrod · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2005, 07:37:32 PM »

I have a guitar in drop-C. No problems with the neck and there's still enough tension on the strings (10's btw). It would be better to go with 11's for that tuning. However, there's something about flabby strings that makes it sound very evil and I haven't had any problems with the 10's.

Shag101 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2005, 08:30:58 PM »

Thanks ratrod,

i didnt know if it was an issue because i know my tech asks me every time what tuning i use so he could adjust the trust rod and other stuff to accommodate that tuning

Ratrod · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2005, 09:43:14 PM »

In theory, the truss rod has to be adjusted and the intonation too. In my experiences the differences are somewhat minimal. A heavier string gauge usually compensates for the reduced string pull. If you have a dual action truss rod there shouldn't be a problem whatsoever.

Shag101 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2005, 10:34:38 PM »

Thanks again,

I dont have a dual action truss rod, but i do use 10's on my sg so I guess i will be fine. most of the time i will be in standard e, but like you said...this warpig is going to make me want to tune down. as long as i am not going to mess up the neck i will be happy. intonation off and loose strings i can deal with no problem....lol

Sekhmet · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2005, 10:50:25 PM »

I was gonna say if you are gonna use drop C for recording or live gigs i'd get a guitar set up for that tuning, there will be less tension from the strings which will cause the neck to bow back a little bit, this might not be to much of a problem, but if you action is razor low it could cause the lower frets to choke or not sound atall, and a higher action at the higher frets, will put you intonation out a bit to.

All this may sound overly dramtic, if your gonna use the tuning for bumming around on your own or with mates then thats cool, if your gonna use it for anything more then get it set up for it.

Or atleast thats what i'd do.

Skybone · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2005, 11:11:09 AM »

I'd advise heavier strings (11's, like Ratrod says, are a good place to start) and then adjust your action to suit. I'm only down a half on my main guitar and another is tuned the same, but the 6th is dropped to C#/Db using EB Hybrid's (9-46) set. Works for me (and with minimal tweaking, usually intonation only).

If you're chopping and changing your tunings, it would be wise to set one guitar for one tuning, rather than use one for loads of different tuning's. If you do that regularly without checking your neck, then it could well lead to problems. If you have, say 2 tunings, then I'd recommend having 2 guitars (not always possible I know!), if that's not possible, then don't change the tuning too often, and always check your neck when you do change tuning. Just be careful.

Don't forget though, that in their heyday, Tony Iommi used C# tuning using 8's!

chrisola · « **Reply #7 on:** November 17, 2005, 12:31:49 PM »

wow, i use 10s and C is far to flabby for me.. have a 24 fret 25.5" scale lenght.. was the same on my LP aswell...

HJM · « **Reply #8 on:** November 17, 2005, 12:45:57 PM »

A lot of that early Iommi sound comes from strings flapping - as Ratrod sai, it sounds evil!! :twisted:

I remember reading an interview in guigtarist with Metallica back in '91/'92 and he said when he first experimented with low tunings they used 9s down at C# until they realised it was a really bad way to stay in time....strings flapping around and you can't hit 'em!!

Shag101 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 17, 2005, 01:39:00 PM »

Thanks Guys,

I tuned down to drop c yesterday and was lost....haha.. it took me a while to figure stuff out....
I always play in standard e...ahahah
But once i got the hang of it, i was loving it.... :twisted:
If i do get my guitar setup for drop c, it will take me forever to figure out the finger patterns. haha

chrisola · « **Reply #10 on:** November 17, 2005, 03:09:04 PM »

go totally down to C, CFG something something (err at work, cant see tuning notes :P)

just play normal E fingerings for everything, but it sounds heavier.. thats what IOMMI was doin :)

Shag101 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 17, 2005, 03:56:46 PM »

true,

I could have the guitar setup for D and use my regular fingering i use for E. And if I want I could drop the 6th string to c and be in drop c.

I dont think i would be putting my neck in any harm that way. What do you guys think??

Skybone · « **Reply #12 on:** November 17, 2005, 04:56:03 PM »

In a word. No. ;)

Shag101 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 17, 2005, 06:19:23 PM »

thanks again,

last dumb question. if i get my guitar setup for D tuning and i go and jam with some friends and lets say the other guitarist is in standard E, would this make a difference? or would my lets say A chord sound okay to his A chord??

Forget this question. I think I will be fine...if he plays 5th fret A on 6th string, my 7th fret A on 6th should match well. I think they only way an A would be different if its an octave higher or lower or difference gauge strings.
If I am wrong please let me know. thanks

Skybone · « **Reply #14 on:** November 18, 2005, 09:49:00 AM »

So long as you remember you're down a step, and you don't play any open chords (unless you think they'll fit) you should be OK.

You could always buy a capo for your electric.