Tuning a string instrument down a half step or even a full step while not common, is not that unusual either. There are several reasons why a string musician may want to do this including relieve strain on the instrument neck, tune relative to other band members or accommodate the vocal cords of an aging singer.

I just thought about this, 12-string guitars are normally tuned down two steps, to D instead of E, so there will not be too much neck strain.

Last edited by Jim Fogle; 08/08/24 04:45 PM. Reason: Add 12-string information

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