Tuning a 12 string one half step down

[samcatluth]

Dumb question but I don't know the answer...I know how to tune a 12 string to standard pitch but I cannot figure out how to do it for one half step down, especially the four lower strings that I think are supposed to be an octave apart. Exactly what note should each string be? While we're on the subject, what it be better as far as wear and tear to go down a whole step? thanks Jeff B.

[cpeehler7]

If you have a tuner, and easy way to tune a half step down is to tune down and then back up to standard while fretting at the first fret. Basically if you tune a half step down and capo the first it's standard again, so if that helps just tune that way.

If not,

Half Down Eb G# C# F# Bb Eb

Full Down D G C F A D

Most modern 12s are fully capable of being tuned to standard pitch, but if you want to ward off a neck reset as long as possible going a half step down or even a full step down will take quite a bit of tension off the neck. In my opinion, if I need to get my guitars neck reset two years early because of keeping it tuned to standard, so be it. I'll enjoy my guitar as much as possible until that day comes. Keep in mind once you tune down you might get a lot of fret buzz and need to setup your guitar accordingly.

[GHS]

My old Yamaha LL 5 12 is on its way to Re-set-city so I keep it tuned to D. Sounds good, no buzz, and if I need to play at pitch I put on a capo.

[Aping Leo]

go a whole step, you'll like it better

[Toby Walker]

If you really want an interesting sound try this: use medium gauge strings and tune your guitar down to either 1 1/2 steps or even 2 steps. This is the way that Blind Willie McTell and Leadbelly did it. You can even try eliminating the high 3rd string and subbing a identical wound 3rd in it's place.

1 1/2 steps: from low to high:

C#, F#, B, E, G#, C#

2 whole steps:

C, F, Bb, Eb, G, C

[Scotty12string]

Originally Posted by Aping Leo

go a whole step, you'll like it better

Ditto-that's what my 12-string that's tuned to standard is always set to, I NEVER set it to EADGBE.

[yammieplaya]

Originally Posted by GHS

My old Yamaha LL 5 12 is on its way to Re-set-city so I keep it tuned to D. Sounds good, no buzz, and if I need to play at pitch I put on a capo.

I'm in about the same boat with my LL-5-12. I like to think it is many years away, but I am not seeing a lot of break angle here. I've been tuned down a half step, thinking I'll go lower.

[Doubleneck]

Easiest way is to capo at the first fret and then tune to standard tuning. Take off capo.

[littlefeat]

I'm guessing you're doing this to aid your singing? I used to do this with all my guitars for that reason. If you have a Taylor/Guild top line 12 string, then you need not worry about this. I did have a Takamine 12 string EN10 and the neck did snap, sending shrapnel all over the place, so make sure you invest in a decent 12 string, or use some pedals to simulate the sound if you're buying cheap. 12 strings are hit or miss and I can advise in a Guild 412/512 but the necks are like cannons!

[Dru Edwards]

In addition to what has already been posted, tuning down one half step basically means tuning every string down the equivalent of "1 fret". So, for example, both the A strings (normal and octave) are each tuned down the equivalent of 1 fret to Ab (or G#).

Also, tuning down a full step means tuning every string down the equivalent of "2 frets".

Give it a try.

[Fire&Rain]

Originally Posted by Aping Leo

go a whole step, you'll like it better

Yep, this^^^^^^^^^^^^!

[samcatluth]

Thanks for all the replies. Now what strings get tuned an octave apart and is it high or low? What would really help is if someone could fill in the blanks below:

Low E 1 ? pitch
Low E 2 ? "

Low A 1 ? "
Low A 2 ? "

Low D 1 ? "
Low D 2 ? "

Low G 1 ? "
Low G 2 ? "

B in unison but what pitch?
E in unison but what pitch?

thanks Jeff B

[Dru Edwards]

Hey Jeff, it sounds like you don't know how to tune a 12 string, whether a half step down or in standard tuning. Is that correct?

Here's an online 12 string tuner that may be able to help you. It's in standard tuning and you can listen to each of the 12 strings. Once you have it tuned to standard, you can click on the "adjustable guitar tuner" link, directly below the tuner, and then you can select a tuner for a half step down; however, it's just for a 6 string but it'll get you started.

http://www.get-tuned.com/online_12_s...itar_tuner.php

I hope this helps.

[12 string]

With many guitars it's fun to use many different tunings and adjust gauges accordingly. Here's what I do:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=108278

' Strang

[Felixq78]

Originally Posted by littlefeat

I'm guessing you're doing this to aid your singing? I used to do this with all my guitars for that reason. If you have a Taylor/Guild top line 12 string, then you need not worry about this. I did have a Takamine 12 string EN10 and the neck did snap, sending shrapnel all over the place, so make sure you invest in a decent 12 string, or use some pedals to simulate the sound if you're buying cheap. 12 strings are hit or miss and I can advise in a Guild 412/512 but the necks are like cannons!

Not necessarily, many twelve stringers down tune their 12 string guitars for easier playing, to protect the neck from excessive tension for nicer or more interesting tones as well as other things that I cannot bring to mind right now