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Posted by: Opossum Feb 7 2012, 03:02 AM

I suggest to anyone here struggling with string bending to give e-Flat tuning a try. I'm finding it to be quite liberating. You don't have to worry about string tension at all. I'm discovering that my ear IS as good as I thought it was. It was the standard tuning tension that was giving me fits. By the way, SLASH plays all of the solos in Appetite for Destruction in e-Flat tuning. Cheers.

Sorry. Didn't mean to quadruple click!

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 7 2012, 09:54 AM

Well, I tried it out a lot of times and it really depends on the string tension as well, but yeah if you are using 09-42's, it's gonna be a lot better on the fingers

Posted by: Opossum Feb 7 2012, 01:58 PM

I am using .09's and I'm sure this tuning does cause some sacrifice in tone, but the bends are like butter! When you watch a guy like Marcus Lavendell bend on a scalloped fretboard, you can see just how effortless it is. I imagine this tuning to be similar in that respect. And not to mention pinch harmonics are a piece of cake! Worth a try for anyone feeling a tad discouraged or just wanting to get some different sounds out of his/her guitar.

Posted by: Saddlefall Feb 7 2012, 03:09 PM

My jackson in e flat with 11-48's isn't a great solo guitar really, but it sure can riff some tight heavy riffs!

Posted by: Alex Feather Feb 7 2012, 04:36 PM

Slash is playing all the solos in E flat but it's not because of him it's because of the singer same thing with Ozzy Osbourne! The thing is that sometimes it's easier for a singer to do E flat.
I don't think it's a good idea because the most songs are tuned in standard E and you will struggle later on when you need to play in standard!
Just keep practicing and you will get it!

Posted by: derper Feb 7 2012, 10:28 PM

I'd have to agree with Alex on this. I think it's more beneficial to either....

-change to lighter strings, and get your guitar setup to handle them.
-just DO it!! Build hand strength, and work on bending exercises until you CAN do it!!

Otherwise, tuning down a half step can cause issues with fret buzz, unless you get a setup. Outside of a guitar fronted band like "Stevie Ray Vaughn, and Double Trouble", in which he can force the whole band to play to his tuning, it will just hinder your ability to sit in with others, and will ultimately end up more trouble than it's worth if you ever play out or with others.

But, it is one solution to the bending "problem".

Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Feb 7 2012, 11:29 PM

This is good advice, but usually guitar players will adapt the tuning to the singer, and adapt their gauge to their tuning (thicker strings for lower tunings, and vice versa).

Posted by: Opossum Feb 8 2012, 01:07 AM

Yeah maybe my little brother, Kip Moore, will dig my new e Flat tuning! His song "Somethin 'bout a Truck" just hit #27 on billboard top 40 Charts.

Bryan Moore

Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Feb 8 2012, 05:29 PM

I had a lot of trouble getting used to playing solos on a 11-56 strings which I had tuned down to drop C and it felt like I was bending barb wire... But I got there with work and patience. Right now I am using 10-52 hybrids from Elixir for the PRS Paul Allender - that way I can tune it standard and to Drop C without too much fuss.

Posted by: Alex Feather Feb 8 2012, 05:32 PM

100% agree!!! You can use lighter strings or just spend more time practicing!
Over the years I have learned that you can't cheat your way out! So it's better to do it right from the start!

Posted by: Opossum Feb 13 2012, 04:13 PM

Good advice Alex. Spoken like a true teacher. I tuned back up to standard and must say I've had a fantastic week in regards to string bending. I've been at this bending/ vibrato thing for a little over a year now and have come to some solid conclusions. Tell me what you think.

1- I believe it's good to alternate between a total wrist movement and more of a finger movement. Improved finger strength can only be a good thing, no? Plus it allows you to really feel the difference between the two movements.
2- Practice good technique, but rely on your ear. Muscle memory will only get you so far.
3- Imitate other great player's bending techniques. My dad was a PGA Pro for 32 years and he used to say, (1) "the ability to mimic is the key to being a good golfer." and (2) "you can grip the club in many ways, but a good grip makes the game a whole lot easier."