thegreatgumbino Posted February 16, 2023 Share Posted February 16, 2023 I love D Standard tuning. Around 6-7 years ago I read this article by Andy Ellis around that time, and it encouraged me to try it out. All my guitars (J45, Hummingbird & J200) are setup this way from day one. https://web.archive.org/web/20100110211252/https://theguitarshow.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/the-case-for-d-standard-guitar-tuning/ Shortly after trying it, I found this article by Laurence Juber where he discusses his string gauge preferences. Not much more info than the above, but sharing none the less. https://web.archive.org/web/20180915065207/https://www.martinguitar.com/media/6155/laurence-jubers-string-theory.pdf Some of the reasons I like it: I like to use alternate tunings (DADgad, Open C, DADf#ad, drop D, double drop D), and D Standard setup reduces the number string adjustments from one tuning to the next. Although I upsize the strings to the highest gauge available to keep enough tension on the top and reduce floppiness, it still results in slightly less string tension which I prefer. Can capo to standard tuning if needed. Works well for me when learning the vocals to new songs. Sometimes I am more comfortable in D Standard vocally (initially), but sometimes it allows me to work up to standard tuning vocally. I started out the process with Martin Retro LJ's and then moved up to Retro Mediums for the increased tension it created. About two years ago I moved to DR Rare Mediums (.13-.56). 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
livemusic Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 I have tuned down a half step and also a whole step for years and this is for vocal, I have a baritone voice and it just works better. I have even tuned 3 half steps down and pulled it off. I, typically, use 13s but have also had luck with 12s before. I keep guitars at standard, half step down, whole step down and have baritones that I can tune anywhere from a whole step down to five half steps down, string gauge being the solution. I do this because I want to find the ideal key for the vocal and I want to use cowboy chord shapes on guitar. Meaning, if I write a song in key of G, using G-shape cowboy chord, but find that key of F is better vocally, I'd rather play G-shape tuned a whole step down than play F-shape. Open chords just sound better to me for singer-songwriter play. I use capos, yes, but only if I have to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northcntryblues Posted February 18, 2023 Share Posted February 18, 2023 I keep mine a half step down. It's easier to hit the high notes, and bending strings is also far easier on the fingers. I just like the 'looser' feel of the guitar half down. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MissouriPicker Posted February 19, 2023 Author Share Posted February 19, 2023 On 2/16/2023 at 11:36 AM, thegreatgumbino said: I love D Standard tuning. Around 6-7 years ago I read this article by Andy Ellis around that time, and it encouraged me to try it out. All my guitars (J45, Hummingbird & J200) are setup this way from day one. https://web.archive.org/web/20100110211252/https://theguitarshow.wordpress.com/2009/12/29/the-case-for-d-standard-guitar-tuning/ Shortly after trying it, I found this article by Laurence Juber where he discusses his string gauge preferences. Not much more info than the above, but sharing none the less. https://web.archive.org/web/20180915065207/https://www.martinguitar.com/media/6155/laurence-jubers-string-theory.pdf Some of the reasons I like it: I like to use alternate tunings (DADgad, Open C, DADf#ad, drop D, double drop D), and D Standard setup reduces the number string adjustments from one tuning to the next. Although I upsize the strings to the highest gauge available to keep enough tension on the top and reduce floppiness, it still results in slightly less string tension which I prefer. Can capo to standard tuning if needed. Works well for me when learning the vocals to new songs. Sometimes I am more comfortable in D Standard vocally (initially), but sometimes it allows me to work up to standard tuning vocally. I started out the process with Martin Retro LJ's and then moved up to Retro Mediums for the increased tension it created. About two years ago I moved to DR Rare Mediums (.13-.56). Very informative articles for me. Especially, the first one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murph Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 I'm working on an open D original song now. Granted it'll be a slide song, but I'll use fingers some as well. Open D has a cool vibe, but it also changes the way your brain works around melody. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted February 25, 2023 Share Posted February 25, 2023 1 hour ago, Murph said: I'm working on an open D original song now. Granted it'll be a slide song, but I'll use fingers some as well. Open D has a cool vibe, but it also changes the way your brain works around melody. I like Open G for that reason. On my banjo ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kinklern Posted February 26, 2023 Share Posted February 26, 2023 New here. Some guitars seem better for slide than normal picking. Some guitars sound better tuned down a full step. Also, some folks may sing better in the key of F but enjoy the sound of the G-C-D chord shapings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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