Low Tune Acoustic String Gauges

[Johnny the Kid]

I'm doing the talent show at my school in two weeks, and the song I want to play is written for a capo on the 6th fret, but I would like to play it down an octave, because I have a higher vocal range. What gauge strings would you suggest for Bb Standard?

 

[jake_xms3_punk]

Re: Low Tune Acoustic String Gauges

Down an octave? You'll still be in the same key! What song is it? Try moving the capo up or down a few frets and find a comfortable key to sing it in

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: Low Tune Acoustic String Gauges

+1

Unless some of the finger stretches are physically impossible at lower fret positions, just shift the capo.

Also, shifting the vocal range dramatically can affect the perceived mood of the song. Compare the Jennifer Warnes and Leonard Cohen renditions of There Ain't No Cure For Love.

 

[MrTondo]

Re: Low Tune Acoustic String Gauges

So just to get this clear, you want to shift down an octave in playing, because otherwise your guitar gets in the way of your vocals?

If at all possible I would then go for a capo at first and work out the fingerwork there.

I don't know if I ever heard someone play an acoustic in Bb, I guess it will get pretty floppy... Yet thick strings are a must. I had a .13 set on a while back, drop D and C worked just sweet on it, but I have not tried any downtuned standards at that time, so I really can't promise anything. But thick strings are a must for sure... So I would suggest either keeping it a the capo 6, or figure out the song in capo 1 of 3 or whatever suits your song.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: Low Tune Acoustic String Gauges

what key is the song originally?
Have you tried playing the song in different keys?

 

[Bludave]

Re: Low Tune Acoustic String Gauges

If you want to go down that low you need a baritone. Baritone guitars are tuned anywhere from 3 to 5 steps below a standard guitar. Think of them as in between a guitar and a bass

 

[Johnny the Kid]

Re: Low Tune Acoustic String Gauges

If you want to go down that low you need a baritone. Baritone guitars are tuned anywhere from 3 to 5 steps below a standard guitar. Think of them as in between a guitar and a bass

Ok. I'm gonna work on trying to get it down near a first or second fret capo. i still have a couple weeks. Thanks anyways guys.