The Pros and Cons of Drop C Tuning for Guitar

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  • Опубликовано: 24 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 276

  • @UltimaJC
    @UltimaJC 3 месяца назад +165

    D Standard and Drop C are where I feel most at home when I play

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +6

      Both of those tunings sound great! A little low but jot too low. Just right

    • @ChainSwingerHxC
      @ChainSwingerHxC 3 месяца назад +2

      strangely same tho i've only played d standard for black dahlia or trivium stuff. IX by trivium lives in my head and then i can just go right to playing everything went black very badly🤭

    • @XueYlva
      @XueYlva 3 месяца назад

      @UltimaJC same here. all the technical death metal and metalcore are D Standard and Drop C lol.
      a whole step down is just heavy enough to not be E Standard without losing too much tightness and brightness. 11-49 strings are perfect if you play with low action. 10-46 strings are perfect if you need slightly higher action and want bends to sound and feel more natural.
      I really start to dislike the overall situation with Drop B/C# Standard.
      I do not prefer Drop Db/Eb Standard either (yes I am American and don't really want to call it Drop C#/D# Standard). Whole step down is perfect for what I need on a 6 string that isn't meant to be a baritone. It still feels like a guitar without making me feel stuck in E Standard.

    • @Kamil_Srnka
      @Kamil_Srnka 2 месяца назад

      Same

    • @lestatvonmondlicht
      @lestatvonmondlicht 2 месяца назад +1

      @@UltimaJC Same here 🙏🏻 most of my music is written in D standard and Drop C

  • @lebarak69
    @lebarak69 3 месяца назад +151

    Pros: 00000000
    Cons: Spending to much on monster drinks and dry wall repairs

  • @zjb29877
    @zjb29877 3 месяца назад +77

    Drop C is the perfect tuning. IMO it's where 6 strings are perfect, especially for metal. You can tune up the low string for D Standard or tune the low string even lower to an A for the Mastadon/Periphery alternate tuning.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +9

      Definitely agree since basically all my sixes are in this tuning! Those are some cool tricks too, easy to remember tuning back up to D but I always forget you can do the mastodon trick too!

  • @maykstuff
    @maykstuff 3 месяца назад +157

    Pros: you can hit that C
    Cons: you can't hit that low B

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +8

      Too true!

    • @SamBrockmann
      @SamBrockmann 2 месяца назад +12

      Bigger cons, you can't hit a low A.

    • @ripit.3457
      @ripit.3457 2 месяца назад +2

      @@SamBrockmann even BIGGER con, no low G :(

    • @oblivion4150
      @oblivion4150 2 месяца назад +2

      Zoooooop... Pitch shifter engaged!

    • @austinalexander238
      @austinalexander238 2 месяца назад

      😂

  • @marck7270
    @marck7270 4 дня назад +2

    good stuff. learned a lot from the video. ty for putting this together

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  4 дня назад +1

      Thanks! Glad this was helpful

  • @hardstones17
    @hardstones17 3 месяца назад +21

    I keep most of my guitars in either standard E or drop D, I use a Digitech drop to go further. I do have one guitar that is in D standard just so I can dip a bit lower than I typically would go too. That pedal is gold for me as I just play in my room and want versatility without having to dedicate guitars strictly to something cause of string gauges and scale lengths.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +7

      I've only heard good things about that pedal! Awesome that it enables you to get those low notes without changing up the setup and string gages you like

    • @XueYlva
      @XueYlva 3 месяца назад +1

      ​@HighZ I love my Digitech Whammy, but I hate the way pitch shifting sounds and feels anywhere between Drop G and E Standard. It works really well for the stupid low Darko Us Drop A0 tuning when I just need to pitch shift the minor seconds or whatever though.
      Digitech Whammy still gets the job done though if you're stuck in E Standard. Get one if you haven't already, nice tool to have.

  • @TheDUDE101GOOD
    @TheDUDE101GOOD 3 месяца назад +33

    Going back to standard tuning just felt alien after years of playing drop c

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +2

      It just feels so weird going back!

    • @CodyCockyote7046
      @CodyCockyote7046 2 месяца назад +2

      Going from B standard/Drop A to E standard/Drop D feels super similar to me bc most notes in those tunings actually overlap. Playing different tunings on 4ths that match each others keys makes changing tunings way easier IMO

    • @Mythansar
      @Mythansar Месяц назад

      Feel so high! Yes!

  • @sebastienleroux4872
    @sebastienleroux4872 3 месяца назад +16

    I’ve been tuning my guitars in standard D for almost a decade now. Even my acoustic one. I love that tuning. And of course, Drop C is inevitable. I just love that sound.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      It's a great sound! Low but not too low

    • @feedthewolf6930
      @feedthewolf6930 Месяц назад +1

      @@HighZ question brother I was literally looking at that same guitar, but it’s just a tad bit out of my price range
      Have you ever played the entry-level RG 652?
      Because I was thinking about getting one
      I’ve heard the stock pick ups, aren’t that great but I can always switch those out
      Also, does that Gibraltar II hold up when it comes to recording?
      I’ve never been an Ibanez guy, but my Luther said to look into prestige models
      Personally, drop C and drop A# are my favorite tunings and even on baritones for whatever reason they do not like drop A#
      Literally all you have to do is tune 5 of the strings on a baritone which is tuned to B standard up half a step and the low E string down half a step. I have one of the best Luther’s around and even try three different baritones and I also tried the Ibanez RGD ALET 26.5 for that tuning and I never even got to attempted because the guitar showed up to my house and terrible shape and I’m actually going to return it tomorrow
      I might just have to Do the lower stuff on a laptop with software.
      Was mainly curious about how those bridges hold up for recording purposes in that tuning drop C or maybe even drop B who knows

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  Месяц назад +1

      @feedthewolf6930 the 652 is going to be a solid guitar. Very light because of the ash body and no trem system. I have the version with the trem and it's the perfect weight for long sessions as is. There will be less of the prestige finish or whatever it's called sprayed in the neck but after a few long sessions the neck will feel plenty perfect. The bridge is pretty good too

    • @feedthewolf6930
      @feedthewolf6930 Месяц назад

      @@HighZ yeah I definitely don’t mess with Floyd roses, but I am curious about the bridge because I’m pretty sure it’s the same bridge as the one you have on the RG hard tale in your video Gibraltar 2 right? I’ve never used this bridge and I’ve never had an Ivan as I know it doesn’t come with a graphite nut, which is pretty odd for a prestige model, but does it at least come with stainless steel frets or does it not have that either I already know I’m gonna have to change out the pick ups at least from what I’ve heard. A lot of the stuff I play is along the lines of Breaking Benjamin, etc..
      “ the pretty good part “does worry me a little lol
      Honestly, the reason I’m aiming for this guitar is because of where it comes from and not Indonesia
      But I’m not going to lie there are a few Jackson models that come equipped with graphite, nuts, and stainless steel frets around the same price range that have me debating all day long. It’s aggravating as hell lol
      I tried out the new RG premium Ibanez guitars when I was at GC not long ago and I was not impressed at all so I really hope even though it’s the entry-level prestige that it is quite a bit better than the new premium models

  • @THEJimmiChanga
    @THEJimmiChanga Месяц назад +3

    D standard and drop C is where ive spent most of my 19 years of playing. As of late ive been spending most of my time in drop C# though.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  Месяц назад

      All of those are fantastic and classic!

  • @cant_pickausername
    @cant_pickausername 2 месяца назад +2

    Drop C is my favorite sound, it does pretty much every style of metal well, and also since its a whole step down I can transpose the same way I would on trumpet. Im currently using 10-52s on my les paul prophecy also with fishmans next time I restring Im gonna try 11-60s from string source.
    Also that guitar looks awesome!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      Thanks! I never would have thought about transposing to trumpet so that's really interesting to know!

  • @cosmicowl4799
    @cosmicowl4799 2 месяца назад +6

    With only one guitar I always felt like I had to stay in Drop D most of the time so I could play most songs. Now I just got a 7 string and bought strings for Drop G, which is like the Drop C of 7 strings and it’s awesome.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      A 7 string is always a great addition! Now the list of possibilities has only grown

  • @cameronneal4
    @cameronneal4 3 месяца назад +3

    I've definitely been interested in this tuning and why everybody loves it! Excited for this video!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Thanks, glad I could share a little information on what this tuning is about!

  • @SleepyAtom-dk1tn
    @SleepyAtom-dk1tn 2 месяца назад +1

    I absolutely love how you formatted this video, and your explanation. Got my sub.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Thank you very much!

  • @Crms-like-Crims
    @Crms-like-Crims 3 месяца назад +4

    I don't play in drop tunings very often so it was cool hearing your perspective on what you like about it. I'm almost never in standard E but always standard (usually B or D lately). I have my four main guitars setup for B standard (12-62) , C standard (11-56), D standard (10-52) and E standard (9-42 or 10-46). Every now and then I'll go drop A on the B standard guitar but generally I'm a standard dude all the time. It's always a trip going from 12-62 on the B to 9-42/10-46 on the E lol.
    I'm glad the algo got me on this channel, It's a refreshing chill vibe of just talking about guitars because it's fun to talk about guitars lol

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Thank you! It really is fun to talk about guitars! Great to chill and discuss our favorite instrument.
      Standard tunings are pretty cool. I keep all my seven strings and eight string in A standard and E standard respectively, a whole step down. Having all those standard tunings sounds really useful for you and as you pointed out, you can always drop the low string and grab that extra range when you need it!

    • @Crms-like-Crims
      @Crms-like-Crims 3 месяца назад

      @@HighZ yeah im not opposed to drop tunings but since im setup standard and most of my guitars are floating trems it's a hassle to drop. This year I finally blocked 2 of them so I could adjust tunings or drop on the fly lol.

  • @bigquen1
    @bigquen1 2 месяца назад +3

    I personally like 6 tunings: Eb standard/Drop Db, C standard/Drop A# for 6 string and B standard/Drop A for 7. I'm experimenting to F standard or Drop F for the 7.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      F standard is super low! That's gonna sound brutal

  • @mynameiscalledtony
    @mynameiscalledtony 2 месяца назад +1

    Subbed! I think I've come back to your channel 3 times now, it's time lol. Really like your talking points here, I always learn something new. Thank you!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      Thanks, I appreciate it! I'll keep trying my best to make good videos

  • @Schattenfürst
    @Schattenfürst 3 месяца назад +3

    Its definetely one of my Fav Tunings, cuz theres some bands that I love that use it (Kanonenfieber, Non est Deus, Leipa) cuz its so aggressive and emotional and melodic at the same time. For own music I also love to use it since its so melodic and emotional

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      It's a fantastic tuning for sure!

  • @darthcalculusmusic
    @darthcalculusmusic 3 месяца назад +2

    Very cool. A friend in high school showed me my first alternate tuning in high school, CGDGBE. That's how I fell in love with 5ths between strings.
    Bonus, if you tune down to C you have the same low note as a cello, which means you could possibly play some pieces originally written for that instrument.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      That's a really cool tuning! Would be fun to try sometime. It actually isn't too much different than standard tuning too after the first two strings. Oh wow I didn't realize that about the cello! That opens up lots of possibilities

  • @cameronneal4
    @cameronneal4 3 месяца назад +21

    Something crazy that I heard in an interview with Misha Mansoor is that Djent actually always originally had three note chords down really low, not single notes! I have always done single notes personally

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +6

      Wow I didn't know that! It does make sense though, with lower tunings than this single notes sound really great. Heck even in this tuning there's plenty of times single notes sound better

    • @gergoretvari6373
      @gergoretvari6373 3 месяца назад +8

      If you play your 3 low strings as 0's, and play the 2nd fret of the g string together, plus you pick very close to your neck pickup, you get the gnarly djent sound.

    • @BraydenRoqs
      @BraydenRoqs 3 месяца назад +3

      I'm pretty sure it's 4 note chords, root, fifth, root fifth with a heavy palm mute to get that high end noise

    • @darkroot_
      @darkroot_ 2 месяца назад +3

      djent is also a palm muting technique, coupled with those big chords. not a genre 😊

    • @lombrespike09
      @lombrespike09 2 месяца назад +1

      @@darkroot_ don't be an smart ass elitist dude, if ppl says that is a genre, it is a genre, music is culture and art, not just math

  • @brunofaustino.guitars
    @brunofaustino.guitars 3 месяца назад +4

    I used drop C for 8 years, but for the last 10 years I am in Drop B. I love both!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Heavy! You can play some slipknot on that!

    • @brunofaustino.guitars
      @brunofaustino.guitars 3 месяца назад

      @@HighZ yeah and machinehead, soulfy and that kind of stuff! But when I want to go really heavy, i jump to my 7 string in Drop G!

  • @justinbowen1183
    @justinbowen1183 2 месяца назад +1

    I have my low end tuned to drop C while my higher end set to drop D. I love the low end while being able to solo in D since that is the tuning I'm most comfortable soloing in but nothing beats chugging on those top 2 strings in C tuning ❤

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Nothing sounds quite like it!

  • @ricardog.s2505
    @ricardog.s2505 3 месяца назад +1

    I played on D standard for YEARS on bass on bands and musical projects and never encountered any problems, sure I had to re-arrange a couple of songs but it was well worth the effort and it was easy to switch to Drop C when I needed it and MAN it was useful for some songs due sometimes the regular C (or "high C" in this case) sometimes didn't had the enough "power" in certain parts of a song and for reference I LOVE metal but I play anything from pop, to progressive, latin, rock, metal, etc. on bands so I can say from experience that D tuning and Drop C are very versatile and sound amazing

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Nice! Certainly worth it to have that range. And there really is nothing like hitting that low C note!

  • @midnightmix2692
    @midnightmix2692 3 месяца назад +2

    i played bass in a funk band for about a year or two, exclusively in drop C. Some songs were harder to play but it was really nice to be able to play some more modern songs (which probably don't even have a real bass recording, lets say attention from charlie puth) and being able to go down to a low C or C#. If i needed to play lots of maj, min 3rds i just tuned up to D standard. Nice to come down to those notes without playing a 5 string and doing it on a skinny neck :)

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Nice! Playing those notes on a 4 string bass neck definitely has huge advantages in comfort!

  • @Fatman4our2wenty
    @Fatman4our2wenty 2 месяца назад +1

    I recently swapped to G# F# B E G# C# to learn some Conjurer songs and it's been a lot of fun. I stopped using drop tunings like drop C or drop B in favour of C# standard and A# standard but this weird Conjurer tuning has made me think of my own riffing quite differently.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      Changing tunings really makes you rethink everything!

  • @Sonicstillpoint83
    @Sonicstillpoint83 2 месяца назад +1

    Drop C on a guitar also puts you in a nice place to play along with a viola or cello depending on what you’re doing. I found it to be an easy way to write cool parts for multiple instruments before I actually studied any theory. It’s important to come to grips with the lower register if you’re ever even in passing thought of going the eight or nine string direction which truly does become entirely new instrument. And if the only other instruments, you have addition to your guitar are your childhood recorder, a kazoo and a cardboard box there’s still plenty of fun to be had. Recorder also plays in C, and viola and cello are C, G, D, A. A cardboard box, a table or any other object has something called a resonant frequency, which will be the note. It seems to amplify. I found a lot of things over the years tend to favor C.
    , so experiment.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Definitely a lot that can be learned about other instruments!

  • @The73rdSecret
    @The73rdSecret 2 месяца назад +2

    I used to play a lot in drop C and drop A (sometimes drop B). In my acoustic I use D standard or open D.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Nice all those are fantastic for metal stuff! I need to try downtuning my acoustic one of these days

  • @prism223
    @prism223 2 месяца назад

    One thing I take advantage of for heavy guitar tone is intermodulation distortion: If you play an inverted power chord, e.g. G and C on 3 fret of the low E and A strings in standard E tuning with distortion, there is am extra low C harmonic to complete the C power chord.
    So as long as you are playing power chords, especially with palm muting which accentuates the low harmonics, you can get very similar heavy tone in standard tuning if you need to.

  • @owenmoody7125
    @owenmoody7125 2 месяца назад +1

    Just invested in a 7 string Jackson with 26.5 inch scale length for Drop G tuning. Never done this tuning on a 7 string guitar as I never owned one, until now - this should be fun and interesting

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      It certainly will be. Congrats on the guitar! You've opened up a new world of creativity

  • @pizzaface4256
    @pizzaface4256 2 месяца назад +1

    Drop C is so good, my guitar is always in drop C probably because I love metal, but its a great tuning to get a good melody along with the chunk!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      Definitely agree! Great for metal and surprisingly good for other things too since it's not too too low

  • @wolf42i40
    @wolf42i40 2 месяца назад +1

    Drop C up to standard E is always my go-to tunings. Always still clear and get your heavy ranges. Drop B is cool when thinking of bands like Chevelle, Slipknot, or Machine Head, but it varies on what style you want to go for. C# is very crisp though.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Crisp indeed, this isna go range. Going a little lower is cool too but anything beyond A is getting into territory where you need to change up your tones entirely to make it work

  • @francobuzzetti9424
    @francobuzzetti9424 2 месяца назад +5

    pros: you're no longer in a standard tuning
    cons: you're no longer in a standard tuning

  • @arishizhar5715
    @arishizhar5715 3 месяца назад +2

    Dope video
    Ps - would love a video on a comparison of the neck and their profiles between
    Rg rga rgd az etc if you have em all

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Thanks and that's a great idea! I've actually never played an AZ but I can comment on those ither ones. The RG and the RGA have the same neck profile so it'll just be whether you like the made in japan or the standard series neck profile more. The former is an ultra thing C-ish shape whereas the latter is more like a flat D. I had a seven string RGD at one point and it felt like a flat D shape

  • @adamlopez0114
    @adamlopez0114 2 месяца назад +1

    Yes you can change the string gage but I found that it's way more fun to buy a pitch pedal like the digitech drop tune pedal. I can switch tunings anytime, from half steps to a complete octave.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      That's certainly an option! I personally prefer to have a single tuning on a guitar but to each their own as they say. The pitch shifter is definitely useful if you need to shift up and down frequently

  • @Kamil_Srnka
    @Kamil_Srnka 2 месяца назад +2

    D standard and B standard are the best tunings, since you also have a C tuning and A tuning with them, and those are imo best tunings overall

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Lots of possibilities there!

  • @Tangent_Frank
    @Tangent_Frank 3 месяца назад +2

    I'm more of a C# kinda guy, but multiple bands i love have used it
    Like: Change in the house of flies by Deftones or literally anything by Three Days Grace

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Oh yeah it pops up all over

    • @bogargeldarium
      @bogargeldarium 2 месяца назад +1

      @@Tangent_Frank change is actually in drop c

  • @Totoleguitariste
    @Totoleguitariste 2 месяца назад +1

    okay drop C is cool but... your guitar man is just 😍

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      Thank you! 🎸

  • @paulcarter105
    @paulcarter105 3 месяца назад +1

    Doing major and minor thirds of the g string the opposite way sounds brighter and more open especially with distortion since the intervals are wider.
    Like if you bar the third fret then you just fret the second fret g. Rabea massaad does that a lot. Works great for ambient cleans as well.
    Also scale length found that 26.5 scale Ibanez rgd works best since I can use lighter strings 10-52 and it all adds to brightness and clarity

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      You can definitely hit those thirds on the g string. I like doing it on the d string because I like skipping the octave and it feels more natural to my hand but there's nothing wrong with doing it that way too!

  • @JayceLedet
    @JayceLedet 3 месяца назад +1

    B standard is my favorite tuning, coming from my favorite band Crowbar🤜🏻🤛🏻
    I also love drop A, Eb standard, and then a cool tuning I got from Staind, the guitarist tunes his 7 string to drop C# with the low being an F#. So F# C# G# C# F# Bb and eb. It’s a really awesome tuning.
    Sometimes when I’m on B standard I’ll tune my low string down to match as on octave to the 2nd string. So E E A D F# B
    My normal 6 string is in Eb, while I have a baritone for B standard.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Nice that's a cool one! Great trick with the seven string too, you get that low F# from an 8 string without having to play an 8 string. There was about a year when I was a teenager I was in Eb standard learning all the songs off of the fortress album by protest the hero. Good times!

    • @cyntdestroyer69xd
      @cyntdestroyer69xd 3 месяца назад

      That E octave tuning reminds me heavily of Architects tuning, but a little higher. Try also ti tune tht string to F#, so that it would be octave tuning, but with standard scale "power chords" (lik 0-2, 3-5, etc)

    • @JayceLedet
      @JayceLedet 3 месяца назад +1

      @@HighZ Epic! Yeah I got it from Staind’s album last year, my 7 string is almost never in any other tuning ever since😅

    • @JayceLedet
      @JayceLedet 3 месяца назад

      @@cyntdestroyer69xd yeah! I did it from Pantera’s stuff like Underground and Sandblast. Slipknot also has two songs where they tune that style. I was messing around with a song idea and decided to put my bass in that… so a drop E bass essentially, and then because it’s already ridiculous sounding, I put a fuzz pedal on it😅

  • @BlueTarouX
    @BlueTarouX 3 месяца назад +1

    I don''t understand this progress to well, but it seems to be helpful to have a more deeper sound which helps to give a rhythm-guitar the space it needs to shine and to bring more variety in the deeper notes .o. but it also seems like it does steal a little bit space for the soundwaves of an e-bass with this. Than again the Bassline does not need to be always darker.
    This is truly a cool video!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      I do tend to play rhythms lower than the lead notes so I agree with you on that. And you're right, the bass isn't always lower. Sometimes it's the same note or higher!

  • @Mythansar
    @Mythansar Месяц назад +1

    Excellent video there! I should get back Drop C. I'm missing those catchy Killswitch Engage riffs :p By the way, what gauge strings are you using? Keep the good work!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  Месяц назад

      Thanks! I'm using 10-46 with the 46 switched to a 52

  • @jackbootshamangaming4541
    @jackbootshamangaming4541 25 дней назад +1

    Drop C is what I use on my 6 strings. My six string dragon burst goliath(I got all 3 dragon bursts this run) is in drop C.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  25 дней назад

      Very cool! It's such a great tuning, I feel it's that sweet spot of heavy and usable both

  • @Tartl
    @Tartl 3 месяца назад +12

    Can i play in drop c with 10-46 strings?

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +7

      Yes you can. The low C might be a little loose. I prefer a 52 for the low string

    • @Tartl
      @Tartl 3 месяца назад +3

      @@HighZ Got it, thanks for the quick answer

    • @jconner3891
      @jconner3891 3 месяца назад +1

      Yes. Definitely

    • @XueYlva
      @XueYlva 3 месяца назад +2

      Raise your action at the bridge/saddles higher.
      I played 11-49 for Drop C for over a decade (and still do on a specific guitar), but you can get away with 10-46 for Drop C 95% comfortably by just raising the action. Makes bends sound better too imo (think how country twang partially comes from lower gauges).
      I'll do Drop C with 11-49 lower action for stuff I write, but go to Drop C with 10-46 higher action for covers. Both work perfectly fine, but I prefer different action for different styles. Ichika but also some "djenty" material really needs the heavier strings and lower action. The guitar feels more "traditional" in Drop C with 10-46 higher action since people forget that 9-42s are really the most common for E Standard.

  • @the43rdparallelthrift34
    @the43rdparallelthrift34 2 месяца назад +1

    In my ideal situation, I would like a guitar in Standard, Drop D, Eb Standard, Drop C#, and Drop C and to stay in those tunings/not have to set them up more than once. I don't really play any songs in D standard (that I couldn't play in drop C). I play in all the other tunings, though, and spend the most time in Drop C and Drop D and Standard E. I used to go lower but I feel like Drop C, maybe a half step lower, is "low" enough for me. I'm not playing djent or doom, anything like that. I play stuff like Black Dahlia Murder, Arch Enemy, KSE, The Haunted, etc, but also, I play shred lead and do some open chords mixed with licks that's sounds like a mix of Eric Johnson meets a Emo band from the mid 2000s. I'm all over the place, musically, and like to be able to play, whatever I'm feeling at the moment.
    Also, I like to write music in different tunings because I feel like it gives me a different palette to paint with and I'm inspired, differently. There are riffs that just sound "better" in certain tunings ( I won't get into the music theory reasons) and sure, you can transpose any song but is it going to sound "right"? maybe, maybe not, maybe the vocals won't work in a certain tuning but will in a lower tuning, etc, etc.
    I think if you're wanting to go lower, like B standard or something, than you're going to need an extended range guitar or more strings, otherwise, strings are going to get quite floppy on a lot of guitars. You lose a certain bit of playability, the lower you go, too, on most standard range guitars. So, the lower the tuning, the less "shred" you'll be doing.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      Pretty much! That's a solid collection of tunings and bands. Some guys can do some cool stuff with really low tunings but I'm like you, I don't feel the need to go lower than C in my sixes and used extended range guitars beyond that!

  • @archersomers
    @archersomers 3 месяца назад +1

    Drop C, Drop A# 6 string and Bb standard 7string is my comfortable zone.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Fantastic choices! You can play a whole range of stuff with those

  • @romanscott5906
    @romanscott5906 2 месяца назад

    I always set my Jackson’s Floyd rose to drop c! I love the ironically unironic tone in certain takes lol!

  • @billy2896
    @billy2896 2 месяца назад +1

    Amazing trend of 90s angular hardcore and mathy rock bands (Shiner, Failure, Hum or Molly McGuire occasioanlly) using drop Db.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      Nice! I remember hearing that tuning when Protest the Hero used it on Kezia

    • @billy2896
      @billy2896 2 месяца назад +1

      @@HighZ Omg i just heard some of kezia... cx its super good metalcore, wow..... weird timings, so so lovely.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      @billy2896 it's good stuff! Glad you liked it

  • @iduncanw
    @iduncanw 3 месяца назад +1

    Interesting stuff.
    I'm curious to try a lower tuning, but don't want to have to touch the nut unless I'd permanently leave in that tuning. Some questions:
    1. Does your RG5121 just have factory gauge 10-46 or did you go for a heavier bottom?
    2. With down tuning in general, at what point have you found you can get away without cutting the nut - eg 1 gauge heavier?
    3. Have you downtuned a double locking trem guitar and if so, is there anything else to consider? Maybe the locking nut provides more freedom with string gauge?
    I've got hard tails and floating tremolo guitars (double locking and non-double locking).
    My other consideration is just to get a 7 string in standard tuning and not have to worry about changing the setup other than initially to get it to my liking.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      All good questions. Sometimes I used 10-46 and sometimes I'll put a 52 for the low C. You could use a 56 but I don't like that much tension. Anything thicker than that and you'll probably have to file the nut a bit. For the floating trems you need to adjust the spring claw and will have to also adjust the intonation, but it's doable - I've done it on all my floating bridge guitars.
      You can get a 7 string and those have their own advantages and disadvantages. You can think of them best as a different instrument that still plays like a guitar. For me a 6 string guitar will always feel like home. Hope this helps!

    • @iduncanw
      @iduncanw 3 месяца назад +1

      @@HighZ thank you, yes it does help.
      I tried a Schecter Keith Merrow Legacy 7 and an Ibanez UV70p. Both very thin necks so didn't feel too much different, but the Schecter was a 26.5 scale. The length didn't really bother me as I also play bass.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Nice! What was the shape of the top on the Keith Merrow, is it an arch top? No one seems to talk about it except someone mentioned it in a comment once (I have a pretty bad memory) so I'd love to try it. Almost all my seven strings have a 26.5 scale except my solar v1.7, but that has an evertune so there's no pitch drift. Playing bass definitely will help you since to me the 26.5 scale takes some getting used to every time

  • @DeadbeatDadcore
    @DeadbeatDadcore 2 месяца назад +1

    I liked drop C because it was easy to transpose from the key of C on a piano.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Definitely helps if you need to do that often

  • @TehCoza
    @TehCoza 3 месяца назад +1

    i use C standard and drop to A#, but i use a 0.80 gauge string like Lee Malia, its so fun.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Nice that's a thick string. That's a super low and super cool tuning

  • @HiThereFaceHere
    @HiThereFaceHere 2 месяца назад

    For me the only con with drop c is how gentle you have to be on the "g" string to keep it from going sharp. Especially down around the 2nd and 3rd fret

  • @Durkhead
    @Durkhead 3 месяца назад +6

    C# standard is da best

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Gotta love the BTBAM tuning!

  • @doomerius1300
    @doomerius1300 3 месяца назад +1

    I think the first con is a pro in so way.
    It makes you think different.
    I have one guitar tuned to Drop C for entire time, and I like to play songs in C standard for example

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Definitely a great way to think outside of the box!

  • @Ottophil
    @Ottophil 2 месяца назад +1

    I used to love drop C and it was my main tuning , but ive recently joined a 90’s cover band. Most of my stuff is standard and E flat. Our lowest stuff is C# (limp bizkit)

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Nice! Totally nostalgic for LB. My only regret for embracing drop C is I can't play protest the hero (Eb/drop C#) for fortress/kezia stuff. Love 90s music so it's worth the sacrifice in your case 🫡

  • @osatchema3598
    @osatchema3598 3 месяца назад +1

    There’s cons to every tuning, especially with some of the more out there tunings I use. In some ways the limitations are what makes it more rewarding in my opinion. Not knowing the fretboard allows me to kind of let theory take a backseat and just focus on what I think sounds cool.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Being thrown into the unknown is a great way to get creative!

  • @oddoutdoors
    @oddoutdoors Месяц назад +1

    C standard is my preferred tuning. Has been for years.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  Месяц назад

      Very cool!

  • @xenogear88
    @xenogear88 3 месяца назад +7

    Drop A is where it's at

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +2

      Nice, my 7s are in A!

  • @mattsaviators
    @mattsaviators 2 месяца назад +1

    I usually stay in c# if I don’t have my pitch shifter so I can play riffs in drop c and drop d and not compromise it too much it’s just easier that way

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Sounds like you found the perfect tuning for you!

  • @mikesmith1290
    @mikesmith1290 2 месяца назад

    I tried tuning my 7 String Ibanez Axion multi scale to drop G on the lower strings and normal tuning on the G B E strings. However it would not stay in tune at all!

  • @carlos-olaechea
    @carlos-olaechea 3 месяца назад +1

    "Print out every frame and mail it" is crazy. Lmao. Great video.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Thanks! Just throwing in nonsense at the end 😆

  • @gnarlantlers70
    @gnarlantlers70 3 месяца назад

    As string guage imcreases - the moving portion of string decreases. You end up with a rigid portion coming off the nut that does not move. Use the lightest guage strings you can tolerate. As you go to heavier guage strings you will reach a point where the guitar will not intonate. C should not be an issue but a 25.5" scale will be better than a 24.75" scale at C. You can go down to B no problem on a 25.5" scale guitar just use the lightest guage strings you can tolerate.

  • @ssofianos
    @ssofianos 2 месяца назад +1

    how many guitars are there behind you? 😊 you can make a presentation of them

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      It's definitely on the to-do list! Need to find time to make such a big video

  • @SamuTheFrog
    @SamuTheFrog Месяц назад

    C is probably my favorite, though, not drop C, I mean C standard.
    C standard is wonderful, and it drops to Drop B & it is just MAGNIFICENT
    But drop C feels like home

  • @marck7270
    @marck7270 4 дня назад +1

    what string gauges do you use on 25.5" guitars for this tuning ... found the answer around 10:45 ... 10-46 that is?!
    i have used 11-48 for Eb ... will try those first

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  4 дня назад +1

      Yep, I prefer less tension so I'm using 10s. Usually I put a 52 on the low C too

    • @marck7270
      @marck7270 4 дня назад +1

      TY sir, really appreciate your feedback. all the best to you

  • @chrisrulz333
    @chrisrulz333 3 месяца назад +2

    oooo i have that guitar its dope!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      It's pretty good! Great choice

  • @joey0ll0x22
    @joey0ll0x22 3 месяца назад +1

    That guitar is sick!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Thanks! 🎸

  • @alice_piano
    @alice_piano 3 месяца назад +1

    👍Thanks for the great info! 👉

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Thank you my friend!

  • @andrewhouse3246
    @andrewhouse3246 3 месяца назад +1

    Thanks!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Thank you so much! I really appreciate this! I'll keep working hard, thank you

  • @Xylus.
    @Xylus. 2 месяца назад +1

    I've always been averse to tuning down. The idea of tuning down seemed more tedious than anything. I like alt tunings, but usually do something drastic. For example, I have a gretch setup just for F#-A-C#-E-G#-B, which is very fun, but also nowhere close to standard. D or c standard always seemed redundant. Recently however I started playing in C standard and some drop Bb (I know this video is about drop c, but I'm just generalizing about tuning down) and it's never been more comfy. I love thick strings. I started on upright bass, playing on strings that could support a suspension bridge, so fat strings make me feel more in control. Since getting my guitar setup in c standard, its been great. Nice fat strings, but so much less tension. I've never had a more comfortable playing experience.
    TL;DR Tuning down is so much more comfortable, especially if you like your strings thick

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Amazing how one's preference for tuning can change over time! Definitely hear you on the string thickness. I like the tension of 9s in standard tuning but they do feel a little on the thin side to me. 10s works for me and I'm sure you're using a thicker set for C standard!

  • @Rob_Cary
    @Rob_Cary Месяц назад +1

    I really dont see any flaws in drop C tuning. It's low enough to be heavy as fuck as long as you're not just relying on the lowness of the string for said heaviness and are putting effort into the writing of the breakdown but it's high enough to stay in tune with pretty much any string gauge on any 6 string as long as it isn't a POS. Can't go wrong with some drop C

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  Месяц назад

      It's definitely a great compromise for downtuning!

  • @BlackRosaryOfficial
    @BlackRosaryOfficial Месяц назад

    One of the biggest cons I've noticed is it's just kind of hard to get the bass to sound in terms of tone when tuned to drop C. Really easy to write riffs in though.

  • @onuamusic2966
    @onuamusic2966 3 месяца назад

    Hi!! The Fender meteora is good for low tunings?

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      As long as you set the intonation and pick appropriate string gages, yes

  • @Jeremy-z1p1t
    @Jeremy-z1p1t Месяц назад

    You can still play the low B, A, Ab, etc….. in drop C if you use triangle chords.

  • @Peaceful_Romancer
    @Peaceful_Romancer 3 месяца назад +1

    Informative and bonus cat?

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Thank you so much! Really glad it was informative! She's always around during filming, usually right behind the camera or right under foot 😺

  • @Wind-nj5xz
    @Wind-nj5xz 3 месяца назад +1

    E1 standard is my favourite

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Nice I've got my 8 string in that!

  • @dustinray1840
    @dustinray1840 2 месяца назад +1

    I’ve been playing in Drop C for many years.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      It's a solid choice!

  • @robert.sjostrom
    @robert.sjostrom 2 месяца назад +1

    What band were you in brotha?

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      Was in The Sky Bleeds White and briefly filled in guitar for Cyborg Octopus

    • @robert.sjostrom
      @robert.sjostrom 2 месяца назад +1

      @@HighZ dope!

  • @off6848
    @off6848 2 месяца назад +1

    Double drop C (Putrid Stu and Phyllomedusa) on a six string is the most bonkers heavy tuning

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Bonkers is right, that's crazy 🤘

  • @andydyck953
    @andydyck953 2 месяца назад +2

    Drop C is the lords tuning.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Amen to that 🙏

  • @mattz1686
    @mattz1686 3 месяца назад +1

    My favorite tuning

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      It's a good one!

    • @mattz1686
      @mattz1686 3 месяца назад +1

      @@HighZ I’m tired of people using lower tunings. I like a firm feel on the strings and I hate adjusting everything for 14-68 gauge

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Same here. C is as low as I'll go on my 6 stri gs, and A on my 7 strings. Really didn't like the feel of any thicker gages than that and my playing style and guitar tones don't work that well with anything lower... I'll use my 8 string sometimes but it's a bit more of a novelty

  • @theinversion4269
    @theinversion4269 29 дней назад

    Pros : You can play Gojira, Blood Incantation, Machine Head, Chimaira, Blood Incantation
    Cons : You can't play Suffocation, Gorguts, Dying Fetus, Cryptopsy, Carcass, Immolation

  • @LoveLestat
    @LoveLestat Месяц назад

    im due to get a electric guitar somewhat of my choice and i listen to Korn mostly and from what i know they use drop c or d, i graduated from classic guitar to accoustic and in not long electric, can someone give me a good begginer electric guitar as i dont wanna screw up a expensive one, im mostly looking at ibanez brand

  • @nevnelion
    @nevnelion 2 месяца назад +1

    i have one guitar and i am tuned E standard i play d standard ,drop c, c#, god bless Neural DSP plugins transpose option 😆

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад +1

      It's a real life saver!

    • @nevnelion
      @nevnelion 2 месяца назад +1

      ​@@HighZ absolutely!!! great videos by the way keep up the good work!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Thanks!

  • @zr1172
    @zr1172 2 месяца назад

    can we use 10:46 gaugez for drop C?

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      You can. I like to switch the 46 with a 52

  • @fogo1832
    @fogo1832 2 месяца назад

    Cons: 0
    Video done 👍🏻
    Maybe that its not drop C# but thats a stretch

  • @Rudromukherjeenerv
    @Rudromukherjeenerv Месяц назад

    If you want standard, I just Capo at the 2nd fret

  • @anthonyring123
    @anthonyring123 3 месяца назад +2

    Simple solution... More guitars = more tunnings

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Oh yeah! The answer is always more guitars 🎸

  • @HATCHETface83
    @HATCHETface83 3 месяца назад +1

    Drop C is the goat

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Absolutely!

  • @Consolous
    @Consolous 3 месяца назад +3

    Drop C is such a good tuning, some of my favorite songs are on that one

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      It's a classic for good reason! Can't go wrong using it

  • @alexdennison3136
    @alexdennison3136 2 месяца назад

    YOU HAVE TO BE HEAVY IN ANY DROP TUNING!!!!

  • @moisesvillasenor3302
    @moisesvillasenor3302 2 месяца назад +2

    Top G Tuning

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      We're all tryna be top G

  • @g3ng4rb0i3
    @g3ng4rb0i3 3 месяца назад +2

    Drop B has to be my fave tuning. It's a perfect balance between not too heavy or not too light.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +2

      That's a fantastically low yet 6 string viable tuning for sure!

  • @OFFICIAL_FORSAKEN_TENDENCIES
    @OFFICIAL_FORSAKEN_TENDENCIES 2 месяца назад

    i usually tune my squire strat down to drop g

  • @symphonysoup
    @symphonysoup 2 месяца назад

    ''theres people who play in nines (guage) and they play in e flat'' not sure what point your emaking here but most people in e flat use 10s still, i think 9s should be the standard for e standard personally, or at least custom 10-9s half and half sets, that said i go all over the place in my custom sets, i can go down to drop b before it gets unplayable 😸 i do have a floating trem tho so that helps even out the tension

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      People use 10s for Eb and some people do use 9s, just like some people use 8s or 8.5s for standard. Idk how they pull it off but if I remember correctly, Paul Gilbert was using 8s or 8.5s on his fireman in a recent interview

  • @Davix-tt9sh
    @Davix-tt9sh Месяц назад

    6 strings belong in Drop C, 7s in Drop G# and 8s in F standard

  • @xerxes2568
    @xerxes2568 3 месяца назад +1

    Me watching this as if I don’t play in drop G and F only 💀

  • @ryang3225
    @ryang3225 2 месяца назад +1

    Drop C and C standard are my shit

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Great choices, C rocks!

  • @andrewhouse3246
    @andrewhouse3246 3 месяца назад +1

    Yes Yes Yes.....finally....finally.....most of us have no idea....when ur self taught and old ..and never ask...and old...and dont have freinds...and wife is pissed about the hidden guitar in the garage...and gen X who never asks for help....but waited patiently for this instruction. Well played Sir...well played..

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Glad I could shed some light on this! It does seem like a pretty arbitrary tuning to use but it's been super useful

  • @juliojuarez172
    @juliojuarez172 3 месяца назад +2

    So standard C, got it.

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад

      Pretty solid tuning choice!

  • @meronyach.
    @meronyach. 3 месяца назад +1

    I feel like a boomer, the lowest I have any of my guitars is drop D 😂 (mainly just because I don't want to use thicker strings, or adjust my truss rod to compensate for less tension.)

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      That's fair! Many amazing songs have been written in drop D, Eb, and even E standard. Besides, going super low changes up the whole dynamic. Have to be really careful and change up my tones when using my 8 string for example to get the mix to be ok

    • @meronyach.
      @meronyach. 3 месяца назад +1

      @@HighZ Thanks for the encouragement! I really love how intense and unique lower tunings can get, so maybe I'll get a 7-string, someday!

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  3 месяца назад +1

      Sounds like a plan 🤘

  • @personanormal
    @personanormal 2 месяца назад

    will wood reference?

    • @HighZ
      @HighZ  2 месяца назад

      Don't know what that is so no