lowest tuning you actually use?

[crankyrayhanky]

Thanks!
Yes, I could probably use thicker strings and less gain; I think I had 72s on but have recently went up to 79, probably could go thicker...I have a set of SDs coming in soon so I can ditch those EMGs, maybe that will help. Longer scales usually sound much better too, this axe is only a 25.5- making it easier to play but probably sacrificing the tone on the low notes

 

[moronmountain]

Thanks!
Yes, I could probably use thicker strings and less gain; I think I had 72s on but have recently went up to 79, probably could go thicker...I have a set of SDs coming in soon so I can ditch those EMGs, maybe that will help. Longer scales usually sound much better too, this axe is only a 25.5- making it easier to play but probably sacrificing the tone on the low notes

Just be careful to not put too much tension on your neck. Big strings tuned up too tight can potentially do bad things to a thin guitar neck IMO.

 

[PhloridaMan]

I've been running my ESP/LTD at F with 14-72 custom set...

We have a winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can your speakers even make a low F???????? That's 2 steps lower than my ridiculous A tuned note that to me is pushing being inaudible lol! I MUST here that!

When the VHT gets re-tubed I will do raw guitars of one of my old bands songs... The MESA with V30s does it pretty well actually.

 

[moronmountain]

I've been running my ESP/LTD at F with 14-72 custom set...

We have a winner!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can your speakers even make a low F???????? That's 2 steps lower than my ridiculous A tuned note that to me is pushing being inaudible lol! I MUST here that!

When the VHT gets re-tubed I will do raw guitars of one of my old bands songs... The MESA with V30s does it pretty well actually.

Can't wait! FWIW, your VHT will sound better into a 16 ohm cab than an 8 ohm one. 8 ohms cabs don't fart out as easily as 16 ohm cabs do with alot of bass. I'm sure that helps with the UL, but if you have a 16 ohm cab that can handle the low end, it will be even better/more punchy/meaner/etc.

 

[Death by Uberschall]

Drop C tuning using D'Addario EXL140 10-52

 

[glassjaw7]

I have used just about every open tuning possible but I always keep a schecter in open B major or minor for when I get bored of the typical standard and half step down stuff. So basically drop B but you can do some fun chord voicings.

 

[Stealthtastic]

FCGCFAD.


Basically a double drop tuning.

 

[tubortski]

Drop C on LP's.

 

[ke2]

Normal 7-string tuning, to B with a 060 as the biggest string. This is on a 26,5" scale guitar. I think a 062 would probably sound better, but stringsandbeyond only sells D'Addario single strings down to 060

 

[crankyrayhanky]

Normal 7-string tuning, to B with a 060 as the biggest string. This is on a 26,5" scale guitar. I think a 062 would probably sound better, but stringsandbeyond only sells D'Addario single strings down to 060

check this out- they rule for balanced tension and low tunings:
http://www.circlekstrings.com/store/

 

[ke2]

Cool! Thanks, man

 

[NinjaRaf]

I pretty much play exclusively in drop c.

 

[Elric]

I went to Eb once.
I swear, most modern guitarist's need to just give it up and become the bass players they are secretly yearning to be.

This. Eb is my default. It was good enough for 80s EVH most of the time, good enough for me.

 

[glassjaw7]

I went to Eb once.
I swear, most modern guitarist's need to just give it up and become the bass players they are secretly yearning to be.

Here's an example of using low tunings for more than just modern metal (not that I have anything against low tuned metal)

This song is in Open B major. Drop B with a few alterations. Drop tunings have been around for many decades and sometimes have nothing to do with playing "lower" for the sake of playing low but just different ranges and chord voicings.

 

[strata2628]

I think something that Black Sabbath proved in the '70's (and Soundgarden in the '80's/'90's) was that even 'uneven' results - different timbres and volumes associated with the different strings on different guitar builds - can yield inspiring results in the way(s) that guitars are played and interpreted. Often to me it is the particular way a progression will sound on a particular instrument that resonate with the player and then perpetuate ideas.
As an educator in audio I've found a lot of the physical aspects of sound (vibration/sound physics) to be useful in application when trying to articulate low tunings; it may seem counter-intuitive, but careful EQ'ing of one's sound (often manipulating mids and high-end to emphasize bass frequencies) can make drop-tunings more audible. Overtones and complementary harmonics (as in full-range instruments e.g.: bass) can be emphasized even with an average quality rig.
I've used a lot of non-standard tunings on regular-scale and long-scale instruments: AEAEAE, BF#EBG#C#, GCGCFAD, F#BF#EBG#C#

 

[glassjaw7]

I think something that Black Sabbath proved in the '70's (and Soundgarden in the '80's/'90's) was that even 'uneven' results - different timbres and volumes associated with the different strings on different guitar builds - can yield inspiring results in the way(s) that guitars are played and interpreted. Often to me it is the particular way a progression will sound on a particular instrument that resonate with the player and then perpetuate ideas.
As an educator in audio I've found a lot of the physical aspects of sound (vibration/sound physics) to be useful in application when trying to articulate low tunings; it may seem counter-intuitive, but careful EQ'ing of one's sound (often manipulating mids and high-end to emphasize bass frequencies) can make drop-tunings more audible. Overtones and complementary harmonics (as in full-range instruments e.g.: bass) can be emphasized even with an average quality rig.
I've used a lot of non-standard tunings on regular-scale and long-scale instruments: AEAEAE, BF#EBG#C#, GCGCFAD, F#BF#EBG#C#

Absolutely! When I get bored and everything I play starts sounding stale, I pick up a different guitar and start tuning. That's how some of the best songs were written.

 

[Bob Savage]

Drop B major flatulation

 

[glassjaw7]

Drop B major flatulation

I've been doing that all day. Quesadillas and beer.

 

[moronmountain]

I think something that Black Sabbath proved in the '70's (and Soundgarden in the '80's/'90's) was that even 'uneven' results - different timbres and volumes associated with the different strings on different guitar builds - can yield inspiring results in the way(s) that guitars are played and interpreted. Often to me it is the particular way a progression will sound on a particular instrument that resonate with the player and then perpetuate ideas.
As an educator in audio I've found a lot of the physical aspects of sound (vibration/sound physics) to be useful in application when trying to articulate low tunings; it may seem counter-intuitive, but careful EQ'ing of one's sound (often manipulating mids and high-end to emphasize bass frequencies) can make drop-tunings more audible. Overtones and complementary harmonics (as in full-range instruments e.g.: bass) can be emphasized even with an average quality rig.
I've used a lot of non-standard tunings on regular-scale and long-scale instruments: AEAEAE, BF#EBG#C#, GCGCFAD, F#BF#EBG#C#

Yuppers. To me, that's why kick drums seem to be almost "deeper" sounding with a little bit of highs on them giving them that click sound. Almost like putting salt on something bland to bring out the "natural" flavors.

 

[moronmountain]

major flatulation

I left the only part of your statement that represents something that you've actually done in a serious manner. burp