Question for the guitar gods out there... - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Lanny_MacDonald · 08-17-2007, 08:04 AM

This is probably a dumb question, but forgive the guitar noobness and my lack of familiarity with much technical about guitars. Okay, so I want to get that really deep crunchy sound associated with sme of the heavier bands that tune their guitars down to D and C tunings. To do this, should I be changing to different strings? I presently play with 10 gauge Ernie Balls, but when loosening them off to get that low note, they rattle like crazy. Would going to an 11 gauge set do the trick? Suggestions from you experienced players would be appreciated.

transplant99 · 08-17-2007, 08:06 AM

Quote:

I presently play with 10 gauge Ernie Balls

OK...that made me laugh. Makes the day go by easier i guess?

Lanny_MacDonald · 08-17-2007, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by transplant99

OK...that made me laugh. Makes the day go by easier i guess?

ricosuave · 08-17-2007, 08:31 AM

whenever youre at '10' going to '11' will always be better.

just ask Nigel Tufnel

Reaper · 08-17-2007, 08:48 AM

A good rule of thumb is to raise your string gauge by one set for every step you tune down so if you're tuning to C then use 12 gauge strings (oooooo, sounds so gansta...).

Lanny_MacDonald · 08-17-2007, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reaper

A good rule of thumb is to raise your string gauge by one set for every step you tune down so if you're tuning to C then use 12 gauge strings (oooooo, sounds so gansta...).

Thanks Reaper. Does this place any more stress on the neck? Should I have a guitar tech do this, or can I take a run at this myself?

Reaper · 08-17-2007, 09:05 AM

Basically, tuning down a whole step and moving a size up in string gauge should have the string tension about the same so the neck should be okay. However, all your intonation settings will be off with the increased size of the strings. Whether or not you could handle the complete set-up of an electric is up to you. I've never been good at setting up my guitars so my preference is usually to have a tech do the set-up.

Lanny_MacDonald · 08-17-2007, 09:08 AM

Thanks again Reaper.

troutman · 08-17-2007, 10:15 AM

How to get the Nirvana sound:

http://guitar.about.com/gi/dynamic/o...equipment.com/

And others:

http://guitar.about.com/od/guitarist...s_Settings.htm

Grunge guitar pedal:

http://www.crmav.com/recording/29/di...r_record.shtml