I just want to know what tunings you guys use. (six-string guitar)

I currently am using a variation of D, where I lower the Low E one whole note, and the A one half note to make it sound very minor, but I keep the other four strings in D, so I can play more melodic stuff.

I sometimes tune the low E between tones where it would be considered out of tune. I used to keep it in standard except with the low E tuned 8 semitones low but i now keep it tuned 3 semitones below standard. After downtuning for so long standard bores me. Plus thicker strings sound really heavy.

D standard. Drop C if I need added brutality.

I usually play in E flat on a six string and standard on my 7-string (E + low B).

C standard (6 string). We need more of this tuning in black metal. Would tune it lower, but meh. Maybe when I get some thicker strings I can finally achieve the brown note so you'll actually shit your pants when I play.

Mostly E standard or C standard, depending. E for most things, but if I'm composing something for my death metal project I put it in C.

E standard on six string, E flat on six string, B on seven string. For metal I think the seven string is the best for metal, because you can riff in B and still use all your arpeggios from standard tuning during solo's.

My band and me used to play in drop c but now we play in drop b. its only a half step lower but i think it sounds alot more brutal that way. plus i think it set us aside from all the millions of metal bands that play in c now a days but it doesnt have that sludgey, shitty sound that guitars in drop A or G# have.

if you want to play in B though i would recomend strings of at least gauge 12 unless you want ur strings flappin round like rubber bands

Drop D with Ernie Balls Not Even Slinky for strings. I honestly still can't come to terms with the amazingness of those strings. You can down tune them to hell and back, or just keep them in standard and they still give you a nice heavy sound. Only thing better was when I bought my strings individually.

C#

I play D for technical death metal on Ernie Ball Power Slinkies. I'll play Drop C or B when I'm in the mood to play some melodic riffs or Origin style riffing.

I've heard of some bands using drop A, which is just ridiculous.

Is there a name for EGBBDG?

I play in A standard with heavy gauge strings (custom selected). I don't find it ridiculous at all and rather love the sound and I'm sure Antti Boman would agree. Note: I play sludge/doom.

Drop G is ridiculous.

You need a 58-64 gauge string for G, which can break guitar nuts.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Drn6qko1bfI

I personally do not like that tuning.

If I remember correctly, parts of Gorguts' "Obscura" (or maybe it was "From Wisdom to Hate") were in G tuning. Tell Luc Lemay that he's ridiculous.

What's his number?

I gravitate on my six-string anywhere from C#/Db to Bb/A#, but usually it's either in B or C standard. I don't use drop tunings. When I get a seven-string, I'm going to drop it one step (A-D-G-C-F-A-D).

Priceless.

Standard E mainly, and Standard C for more DM stuff.

I played in D standard for years, I have been using drop C recently, mainly because I have been writing melodic riffs for two guitars, and I can harmonize two static notes a fifth apart with ease.

i mostly play in D# standart
i often use chords so i cant go lower without destroying the harmony


anyone of you tried the NST (new standart tuning) from r. fripp:
CGDAEG

I have pretty much all my guitars in their standard tuning right now. I just find that better as a default, plus I write my own material in E as well - because I have perfect pitch I think differently when it comes to tunings, plus with black metal there's no real advantage in downtuning. I should probably experiment a bit more, but I'm pissy about good string tension so I have to buy different gauge strings if I'm going a tone lower or more. Straight B or lower I like to use a 7-string. Same applies for 5-string basses.

However I have been in bands where tuning was different, Straight B in one of them (until I got a 7-string and used standard 7 tuning) and Straight C in another. Fortunately I have a second 6-string now so it's not so much a pain to put my prized guitar in some daft tuning. And to top it all off I'm really difficult about set up and none of my axes are exactly boutique material. I'd still like another guitar and bass for different tunings/sounds but a halfway decent half-stack and other gear are taking priority at the moment.