Half step .

Always

 

Never tuned my strats down a half step; when jamming to downloaded backing tracks or songs occasionally have to tune them sharp though.
I have tuned down a half step on my acoustic at times.

 

Dumb question: tuning down half step, do you need to relearn chord positions? For example would a E chord still sound the same as in the standard tuning position?

 

I gave it some thought as arthritis was rearing its ugly face...hoped that I could continue to:

first, play 11's which I like;
then, just play... period.

pointless from an arthritis perspective. Whether it facilitates some other advantage...meh.

 

not dumb. no...just key.

 

Yeah I can see where it may lesson the strain on fingers from arthritis especially if playing 11's. I'm sure you've considered dropping to 10's or even 9's. I play 9's but sub a 10ga high E because of breakage. 9's really help my old fingers that have a touch of arthur.

 

I have, but not on a Strat. Tuning up and down is a PITA.

Seriously considering one of those pedals (Digitech?) that does it electronically the next time the band wants to do a song that I have to sing that's done down a step.

 

I'll tune my acoustics all kinds of things but my electrics stay in open E standard.

The only dumb questions are the ones we don't ask.

If you tune all of your strings down a half step, and you play an 'open E Maj. chord', you're actually playing an open Eb Maj. chord. If you move that chord form up a half step to the first fret and play what would be and F Maj. chord (in E standard tuning), you are now playing an E Maj. chord, and it should should pretty identical to the open E Maj. in standard tuning.

If you are playing in a band or with a song in E standard and you tune down 1/2 step, you will have to compensate by a half step, or 1 fret (for the most part)

 

Thank you!

 

Yes I do a lot.

 

To me, it depends on the other people in the band...mostly the singer. But, once it's down it stays down. If you float the trem it's a bit of a hassle to switch back nd forth...another reason I prefer Gibsons.

 

I have some Strats standard tuned, some others tuned half step down. Another good reason to own at least 2 electrics.

 

I'm too scared to.

 

I do. Bending is easier, I like the sound of eb tuning and I can still play standard tuning songs, although a bit tricky.

 

All my guitars are standard tuning. Both my acoustics down 1/2 step for strain relief purposes.

 

Usually standard, I'll downtune when the I need to match the recording

 

Once in a while I'll keep one out with at least 11s on it tuned down a half step to get that somber tone.

 

I played ... a lot in Bb, Eb, Ab ... I just sorta learned multiple voicings for those keys... so...

oh yeah.
Frankly, even air guitar hurts now.

 

I tune down 1/2 step on one of my Strats for a couple of songs that I sing. If I'm playing them live I bring two guitars so I don't have to tune down.