Odd tuning...?

Veye · #1 03-20-2003, 05:04 AM

Hey people,
I've been an "ear player" for more than fifteen years (i.e. not using any tuning equipment), only going for the most "fitted" tuning/sound for the things I like to compose: brutal riffs, and the complete opposite; calm/moody acoustic passages.

Now, just recently I bought an automatic-chromatic tuner, and found out that my own “ideal” tuning is (very near) a half step down (D#) but at a different pitch than standard, 445 Hz. When I downtuned to D# standard 440 Hz, it just didn’t sound right to my tuned ears.

For me, this tuning is ideal, creating an extremely warm ”pulsing” tone not obtained at any other pitch/tuning that I’ve tried. Going lower than D# does not make the trick.

Anybody else using this type of tuning, I wonder…or is just me and my sick & twisted compositions?!

ChrisReedSmith · #2 03-21-2003, 11:49 AM

Honestly I think it's either 1)In your head or 2) For some reason your guitar takes to that slightly higher then D# tuning a little better. For me, my 5 different guitars suit different tunings better. And if you have good enough of a ear you would notice the difference.

bryangraye · #3 03-21-2003, 10:38 PM

I've never used a tuner in my life. I like tuning to concert pitches, then dropping ever so slightly - sounds deeper and warmer to me.

RiffGod, I think MADWELL is right when he said it's in your head, because it's definitely all in my head. Certain frequencies sound more natural than others to me, and instruments have unique resonances, therefore certain tunings are ideal for some but not others.

The traditional Japanese bamboo flutes known as Shakuhachi are made without reference to one another, only to the properties of the cut of bamboo being used - historically, the instrument has been a solo one, because of the incongruent tunings between different flutes. The same is the case when I compare my Sitar to a friend's - they have their own ideal tunings. I hope that helps.

frankfalbo · #4 03-21-2003, 11:16 PM

Everyone's made differently, and A440 is arbitrary, really. I am locked into 440 mentally, but that's not to say I don't like different tunings. But they are all steps or half steps from 440. What would be funny would be if you kept screaming at the bass player and keyboard that they were out of tune, shouting that we've all been fooled by the 440 conspirators. Say that they are exercising mind control through those vibrations and when you deviate to 445 your mind is freed from the matrix. Tell them they are all fools.

Veye · #5 03-24-2003, 03:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frankfalbo

Everyone's made differently, and A440 is arbitrary, really. I am locked into 440 mentally, but that's not to say I don't like different tunings. But they are all steps or half steps from 440. What would be funny would be if you kept screaming at the bass player and keyboard that they were out of tune, shouting that we've all been fooled by the 440 conspirators. Say that they are exercising mind control through those vibrations and when you deviate to 445 your mind is freed from the matrix. Tell them they are all fools.

I really dig that scenario.

Veye · #6 03-25-2003, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryangraye

RiffGod, I think MADWELL is right when he said it's in your head, because it's definitely all in my head. Certain frequencies sound more natural than others to me, and instruments have unique resonances, therefore certain tunings are ideal for some but not others.

That may very well be the case, but why not try it out, then judge if it's all in my head...?!

Veye · #7 03-31-2003, 02:22 AM

Me again...

I may add that this tuning goes for my acoustic as well, so it has to be the resonance in my head, not in my e-guitar, right!?

Champagne Mist · #8 03-31-2003, 01:13 PM

Man, I hope you guys aren't ear tuning your floating-trem guitars!!!

haha

Veye · #9 04-01-2003, 04:53 AM

I admit...I was, I was...

bryangraye · #10 04-01-2003, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiffGod

Quote:

Originally Posted by bryangraye

RiffGod, I think MADWELL is right when he said it's in your head, because it's definitely all in my head. Certain frequencies sound more natural than others to me, and instruments have unique resonances, therefore certain tunings are ideal for some but not others.

That may very well be the case, but why not try it out, then judge if it's all in my head...?!

I have tried it, and agree.

Veye · #11 04-01-2003, 09:05 AM

You have

I mean, you do!?

Maybe I could get this thing patented somehow...

How about "Ideal tuning for metal"?

Master Steve!
If you - in like 10 years - stumble across this thread, please try out this tuning and tell me what you think, okay?

I know, I'm not worthy but who cares - he sure ain't gonna read this anyway!