Nashville Tuning: Cheating Your Way to a 12-String Sound (Without the 12-String Fuss)
Feeling fancy? Want to add a jangly, shimmering layer to your tunes that screams "look at me, I'm a complex musician" (but secretly takes ten minutes to set up)? Then Nashville tuning is for you!
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| How To String Nashville Tuning |
But First, What is Nashville Tuning?
It's not your typical "D-A-D-G-A-E" alternate tuning situation. Nashville tuning is all about channeling your inner 12-string guitar, but with the comfort (and slightly lower string bill) of your trusty six-string. By using lighter gauge strings and some clever tuning magic, you can create that bright, chiming sound that'll make everyone think you just traded in your axe for a sparkly double-decker.
Here's the Not-So-Secret Agent's Guide to Nashville Tuning:
Gear Up:
- Your Favorite Guitar: Acoustic or electric, Nashville tuning doesn't discriminate (as long as it holds its tuning well).
- A Pack of Strings (But Not Just Any Strings!): Here's where the magic happens. Ditch your usual pack and grab a set of 12-string strings. We only need the four "high" strings though (those are the E, A, D, and G strings on a regular 12-string set).
- Tuner: Electronic or trusty tuning fork, your choice. Just make sure it can handle those high notes!
Tuning Time!
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
- String Change Shuffle: Take those new, high strings and replace the corresponding strings on your guitar (high E to high E, A to A, and so on).
- Tuning the Familiar Faces: Tune your high E and B strings exactly as you would in standard tuning.
- Welcome to the High Notes Club: Now comes the fun part! Using your tuner (and maybe some earplugs for your neighbors), crank up the G, D, A, and new high E strings an entire octave higher than usual. Be gentle! These thin strings are more prone to snapping under too much pressure.
And There You Have It! You're rocking Nashville tuning. Time to confuse your friends and impress internet guitar communities with your newfound "complex" sound.
Bonus Tip: Nashville tuning can be a bit more tension on your neck than standard tuning. Loosen your truss rod slightly to compensate (but look up a proper guide on how to do that before you go cranking on random parts of your guitar!).
H�ufig Gestellte Fragen (Frequently Asked Questions, for those who haven't taken German since high school)
How to tell if I've got the right strings?
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
Easy! A 12-string string set will have two of each string gauge. You only need the "high" strings (the ones that aren't doubled).
How do I know if my guitar can handle Nashville tuning?
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Most well-maintained guitars can take the extra tension. But if you're worried, consult a guitar tech or stick to lighter picking for a while.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
How long does it take to change strings in Nashville tuning?
No longer than a regular string change, really. Though finding that perfect high E string in a pack of 12 might take a few extra seconds.
How do I play in Nashville tuning?
QuickTip: Every section builds on the last.
The fingering stays the same as standard tuning, but those octave strings up high open up new sonic possibilities! Experiment and have fun with it.
How do I impress everyone with my Nashville tuning skills?
Learn a song by The Byrds, R.E.M., or any other band known for using Nashville tuning. Bonus points for dramatic strumming and a knowing wink.
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