Alternat Tuning Question

[roadbiker]

I have been experimenting with some alternate tunings, most recently Open E (used for She Talks To Angels). One of the benefits of having multiple guitars is that you can leave one in an alternate tuning and not have to constantly change the way the guitar is tuned, which is bad for the nut (over time) and may also decrease string life.

 

I don't see any problem at all with drop tuning, like Drop D, which puts less stress on the neck and body, but when increasing string tension to, for example, Open E, C, D, etc., I can see that over time this could be bad for the guitar and lead to a "belly" or lifting of the bridge. So my question is how long do you think it is "safe" for the guitar to leave it in an alternate tuning that increases string tension? I imagine a few days is not a problem, but weeks on end could be detrimental. What do you think/suggest?

 

Thanks, Jim

[Versatile]

From personal experience and the same concerns about high string-pull

 

I use 'E' form tuning down a tone to 'D'

 

And 'A' form tuning down a tone to 'G'....(a la Keith Richards)....

 

V

 

[bigdaddyguitar]

stick with open G and open D . no problems .

[DrRogerFisher]

I have been experimenting with some alternate tunings, most recently Open E (used for She Talks To Angels). One of the benefits of having multiple guitars is that you can leave one in an alternate tuning and not have to constantly change the way the guitar is tuned, which is bad for the nut (over time) and may also decrease string life.

 

I don't see any problem at all with drop tuning, like Drop D, which puts less stress on the neck and body, but when increasing string tension to, for example, Open E, C, D, etc., I can see that over time this could be bad for the guitar and lead to a "belly" or lifting of the bridge. So my question is how long do you think it is "safe" for the guitar to leave it in an alternate tuning that increases string tension? I imagine a few days is not a problem, but weeks on end could be detrimental. What do you think/suggest?

 

Thanks, Jim

 

Here's a little trick for "drop E" tuning, without changing any strings. Instead of tuning down the bass string, use a capo to "raise up" the other strings:

 

Put a capo on the second fret from underneath, covering 5 strings but leaving the 6th (E bass) string open. The capo on the other 5 strings raises them 1 full tone, so now when you play a D chord formation it sounds as an E chord (because of the capo), but with the open E string provinding the low bass. So without retuning any strings you have a drop-E which gives a very cool sound.

[zombywoof]

Unless you are playing something like a 1960s Harmony 12 string you should not have to worry about leaving your guitar in most tunings. I play in Open tunings about 80% of the time and the only one I will not leave my guitars in for any length of time is Open A.