C# tuning?

[Closed Eye]

I noticed in the "most popular UGD tuning" thread some of you guys tuned to C# (C# F# B E G# c#) and was just wondering if I have to alter my set up in any way to use this tuning? What's the recommended string gauge? Do I need to have the guitar re-setup to accomodate this tuning?

Also, aside from A Perfect Circle, what are some C# songs I could jam on?

 

[Loserchief]

Re: C# tuning?

You'll definitely need a new setup when going to C# since that quite low actually. I use 12-56 strings for it. Probably truss rod adjustment needed, and if your guitar is floyed that's gonna need adjustement too.

Songs i can think of would be everything by Hate Eternal and Behemoth.

 

[Gila_Crisis]

Re: C# tuning?

Deftones - "Around The Fur" cd is in C# or Db. for C# i use .011-.056 strings sets from everly

 

[telecaster887]

Re: C# tuning?

I use 11-53's, but I guess they're kinda light and feel like 9's on my tele. Basically any Sabbath song on Master of Reality or after is in C# tuning.

 

[nuntius]

Re: C# tuning?

I use the Not Even Slinky set of Ernie Ball 12-56, and swap the 24plain string for a 22 plain because I find the 24 to be too thick.

Plenty of Dark Tranquillity stuff is in C#

 

[FamousForSustain]

Re: C# tuning?

I do dropped C#, which is like dropped D but 1\2 step lower so only the low E is dropped (sometimes I drop the high E too so it's easier to get 7ths). I find I can more or less get away with this tuning on an axe set up for standard- on my 25.5 I use 11-54 and my 24.75 I use 10-48, they both take it just fine.

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: C# tuning?

Don't always go too thick with low tunings. Justin Broadrick (Godflesh/Jesu) uses (i'm pretty sure) an 11 set. With lighter strings, you get a lot more clarity with lower tunings.

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: C# tuning?

11-52's with a wound third.

If I remember correctly Metallica's "The thing that should not be" is in C#. Heavy tune for sure. Some later Slayer-Divine Intervention and on.........Sabbath, COC, Alice in Chains.....

 

[Jeff Dunne]

Re: C# tuning?

Don't always go too thick with low tunings. Justin Broadrick (Godflesh/Jesu) uses (i'm pretty sure) an 11 set. With lighter strings, you get a lot more clarity with lower tunings.

QFT.

The thicker the strings, the less attack you get.

 

[ex-250]

Re: C# tuning?

11-52's with a wound third.

If I remember correctly Metallica's "The thing that should not be" is in C#. Heavy tune for sure. Some later Slayer-Divine Intervention and on.........Sabbath, COC, Alice in Chains.....

COC is all in D, or occasionally drop C. Down, however, is predominantly Db (C# for you kids who like to write it that way).

 

[34029324079]

Re: C# tuning?

trust rod adjustment +1...

maybe someone can tell or direct you to a thread about that...

alot of tool is downtuned. the entire "southern trendkill" album by Pantera is tuned to C#

I usually have my guitars in D since it sounds heavier - I don't adjust the truss rod since the tension is not that much greater imo...nothing bad has happened yet...

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: C# tuning?

QFT.

The thicker the strings, the less attack you get.

WTF's QFT?

 

[some_dude]

Re: C# tuning?

I use 13-70 with a wound third. I also like to drop the 6th string to B on occasion.

If you drop to C# you may find you need to tweek the truss rod and if you go with bigger strings you should have your nut filed for them. I find any set with a .011 or thicker 1st string works fine. I've tried 10s and 9s and they're just too floppy for my taste.

 

[Closed Eye]

Re: C# tuning?

Oh man, I may have to file the nut? Geez, I didn't know I'd have to go that far. I know most of the time I can fit .11s on to any of my guitars and not have to file anything down so I may just go with that. I also don't mind some of the slack/looseness since my hands aren't that strong to begin with. .11s are really going to try my endurance!


I assume I'll have to change my amp settings a little bit as well?

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: C# tuning?

If the strings don't pop out of the nut, don't worry about filing it.

FWIW, I used to go from 9s down to 13s, tuned all over the place, and never adjust anything. Does it sound and play better now that I do? Sure, but.... don't get too freaked out about stuff is my point.

 

[Dirtyking]

Re: C# tuning?

COC is all in D, or occasionally drop C. Down, however, is predominantly Db (C# for you kids who like to write it that way).

Yeah Down's what I meant to say, but If I'm jammin between the 2 It works in C# for me

 

[Imp]

Re: C# tuning?

WTF's QFT?

quoted for truth

 

[lp_gem]

Re: C# tuning?

both my les pauls are tuned to C# and i only use 10-52s, it sounds fine and plus its 24.75 scale..

you dont need the wound third,, i just raise the bridges to get the action higher. a tiny bit beefier strings would probably be better, but my main point is that you dont need the wound third to hold it all together.. and im pretty sure there are thicker thirds than the .17 on the 10-52 set.. so just find the heaviest set you can that doesnt have a wound third (not sure which one but im sure its out there)