Audition using alternate tunings

[thudstaff23]

I got a call to audition for what seems like a pretty good group, here in the area. Solid tracks, good website, etc. I've been talking with them for a couple weeks, and they had been going back and forth on sending me links to their songs. When they finally sent them, most are tuned to F# and G.

I have to be honest, I have never tuned my guitar to F#. I'm surprised they didn't mention this right off, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I have to say, two whole steps changes my game at the top of the neck quite a bit.

Any last-minute advice?

[Muckaluck]

Is that 2 steps lower than your B string or 2 steps higher than your E string?

I've played in bands that tuned down to things like C# and I just moved my fingers over on my 5 string. I hate tuning down because it messes up my string tension.

Good luck with the audition.

[thudstaff23]

Thanks Muck. I play only 4 string, so I guess it's up for me, which I agree, messes with neck tension.

[thesilence]

So do they tune their guitars to F# and G or are the songs in those keys. its been a long day and this wasn't obvious to me

[Woofer]

Why does it matter what they tune to? If it's tuning up like you said just leave your bass as is and transpose it. Much easier solution I think.

[thesilence]

Originally Posted by Woofer

Why does it matter what they tune to? If it's tuning up like you said just leave your bass as is and transpose it. Much easier solution I think.

yeah I don't think I've ever tuned alternately except an occasional drop D but beyond that just transpose it

[thudstaff23]

Originally Posted by thesilence

So do they tune their guitars to F# and G or are the songs in those keys. its been a long day and this wasn't obvious to me

They tune their guitars to F# or G.

[ghiadub]

If you really need the lower notes (assuming they are tuning down) you can use an octave effect and still maintain your correct tension and tuning.

[thudstaff23]

Originally Posted by thesilence

yeah I don't think I've ever tuned alternately except an occasional drop D but beyond that just transpose it

Right? This is what I prefer to do -- just transpose, I mean. I guess I should've clarified by asking if anyone has ever tuned to this.

Thanks for the help guys.

[Ripley]

Originally Posted by thudstaff23

They tune their guitars to F# or G.

They're tuning a step up, across all strings? Seems odd for guitars to tune up, there's no tonal advantage.

I'd definitely double check on that.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by thudstaff23

I got a call to audition for what seems like a pretty good group, here in the area. Solid tracks, good website, etc. I've been talking with them for a couple weeks, and they had been going back and forth on sending me links to their songs. When they finally sent them, most are tuned to F# and G.

I have to be honest, I have never tuned my guitar to F#. I'm surprised they didn't mention this right off, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I have to say, two whole steps changes my game at the top of the neck quite a bit.

Any last-minute advice?

If youare learning the songs in the keys of the files they sent you and then asking you play in alternative tuning, my advice quite.

It disrespectful an a big pain in the butt.That crap is for guitarists and vocalist.

[bluewine]

Originally Posted by Woofer

Why does it matter what they tune to? If it's tuning up like you said just leave your bass as is and transpose it. Much easier solution I think.

Why should he have to traspose,I think it's BS.

[agreatheight]

I find it very unlikely the guitars are tuned up - maybe there are capos on the guitars?

Unless they told you to tune up, I wouldn't. Learn the songs in standard.

[ninepoundjammer]

Originally Posted by agreatheight

I find it very unlikely the guitars are tuned up - maybe there are capos on the guitars?

Unless they told you to tune up, I wouldn't. Learn the songs in standard.

^^^ Yes, that.

[LaklandBass]

use a Capo for the audition....... then if all works out for you with the band you can find some lighter guage strings to maintain the tension that youre used to in that tuning.

[puddin tame]

if it's tuned up you don't need to do anything


just, y'know, play the notes... because they are there

I think the problem here is a lot of people think about fret positions instead of the actual notes. I see the word transposing being tossed around - how is anything transposed here? unless you're playing chords that require open strings you don't need to change ****

[Ric5]

I really, really, really, hate alternate tunings.

That is why I play a 5 string tuned BEADG. I can cover 99% of what I need to play on a bass tuned that way.

[thudstaff23]

Just a quick update: this audition turned out fine. They do tune up, and although I thought it was a little weird, I adjusted just fine in standard tuning. I actually really like this band's tunes, and I think they liked me. I mean, I was there for two hours and even they said it felt like we were cramming for a test it was moving so quickly.

I played four of their songs, and really got on great with the entire band. I'm hoping for a call back with an offer.

[Muckaluck]

Hey, congrats! Hope it works out for you.

[scorpionldr]

Originally Posted by thudstaff23

I got a call to audition for what seems like a pretty good group, here in the area. Solid tracks, good website, etc. I've been talking with them for a couple weeks, and they had been going back and forth on sending me links to their songs. When they finally sent them, most are tuned to F# and G.

I have to be honest, I have never tuned my guitar to F#. I'm surprised they didn't mention this right off, but I'm willing to give it a shot. I have to say, two whole steps changes my game at the top of the neck quite a bit.

Any last-minute advice?

Capo.