nashville guitar tuning

What is Nashville Guitar Tuning? Exploring High-String Guitar

Nashville tuning, also known as high-string tuning, is a unique way to string a 6-string guitar that alters its tonal range by raising the pitch of the lower four strings an octave. This creates a brighter, chiming sound often used in recording to add texture and depth to acoustic guitar tracks.

Think of it as taking a 12-string guitar and only using the higher octave strings. This results in a bright, shimmering tone that blends beautifully with standard-tuned guitars.

Understanding Nashville Tuning

Nashville tuning swaps the standard lower four strings of a guitar (E, A, D, G) with lighter gauge strings tuned an octave higher. The high E and B strings remain the same as standard tuning.

Specifically, the low E string is replaced with a thinner string tuned to high E. The A string is replaced with a thinner string tuned to high A. The D string is replaced with a thinner string tuned to high D, and the G string is replaced with a thinner string tuned to high G. The B and high E strings remain the same.

Benefits and Uses of Nashville Tuning

The primary benefit of Nashville tuning is its unique tonal quality. It creates a bright, shimmering sound that is excellent for:

• Adding texture: Nashville tuning blends well with standard-tuned guitars, adding a layer of harmonic richness without sounding muddy.
• Creating a wider sonic landscape: Recording a part in both standard and Nashville tuning creates a fuller, richer soundscape.
• Emulating a 12-string sound: It provides a similar shimmering effect to a 12-string guitar but with a different character.
• Studio work: The tuning’s clear, bright tone makes it ideal for recording layered guitar parts.

String Gauges for Nashville Tuning

Selecting the right string gauges is crucial for Nashville tuning. The gauges should be light enough to allow the strings to be tuned an octave higher without breaking. A common set of gauges for Nashville tuning is:

• E: .012
• B: .016
• G: .024
• D: .034
• A: .044
• E: .054

These are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the guitar and player preference. Consult your local guitar technician for best recommendations based on your equipment.

Notable Examples of Nashville Tuning

Nashville tuning has been used extensively in country, folk, and pop music. Some notable examples include:

• Many recordings by The Byrds
• Classic country recordings from the 1960s and 1970s
• Numerous pop songs where producers wanted to add shimmer to the acoustic guitar tracks

You can find more detailed technical background on Nashville tuning on Wikipedia, which serves as a great resource.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the string gauges for Nashville tuning?

A common set of string gauges for Nashville tuning is .012, .016, .024, .034, .044, and .054.

Is Nashville tuning good for live performance?

Nashville tuning can be used live, but it is more commonly used in the studio. You would need a second guitar set up for this tuning.

What kind of music is Nashville tuning used for?

Nashville tuning is commonly used in country, folk, and pop music to add texture and shimmer to acoustic guitar tracks.

Can I use any acoustic guitar for Nashville tuning?

Yes, you can use any acoustic guitar, but you should use lighter gauge strings to avoid damaging the guitar.

Does Nashville tuning require a special guitar?

No, Nashville tuning doesn’t require a special guitar, just a new set of strings and adjustment to the tuning.

Summary

Nashville tuning offers a unique and bright acoustic guitar tone, achieved by raising the pitch of the lower four strings by an octave. It’s a valuable tool for adding texture and depth to recordings and is particularly useful in genres like country, folk, and pop. By understanding the principles and string gauges involved, guitarists can easily experiment with this tuning and explore its sonic possibilities.