Tuned down - why?

[Howard2k]

Why do bands sometimes record their guitar parts tuned down a half-step (or step, or whatever)?

[Johnny Rattlesnake]

Less string tension. Helps the vocalist. Standard is boring.

[Howard2k]

Thanks!  I thought maybe it was something more complex... 

[Johnny Rattlesnake]

Don't over think it. Van Halen was a half step down with David Lee Roth but in standard with Sammy Hagar.  Jimmy Hendrix was a half step down.

[Dead N' Bloated]

But when Korn do it its just sound terrible. 

I like korn but they just dont sound any good anymore.


 

[Silverchair]

It's mostly for two reasons... sounds meaner and also helps the Vocalist hit notes they may be having trouble hitting in standard.

Standard is not boring by any means... some of the best music ever written for and with a guitar has been on standard. I write my stuff on standard. Few E Flat stuff. I have a two on Drop B and some on Open C#.

It makes it interesting. I love alternate tunings.

[IzzyDutch]

GN'R = half a step down
VR = standard
Duff's Loaded = half a step down
Izzy = standard

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere that with GN'R it was cause of Axl's range.. both Axl and Izzy are in a range that fit standard tuning best. Duff fits best half a step down cause his vox are in a different range.

[Layne Staley's Sunglasses]

Better/easier bends.

Just thank Sabbath.

[CheapJon]

But when Korn do it its just sound terrible. 

I like korn but they just dont sound any good anymore.


 

mostly because head left

[Silverchair]

But when Korn do it its just sound terrible. 

I like korn but they just dont sound any good anymore.


 

mostly because head left

with or without head... they sucked after FOLLOW THE LEADER... and that was pushing it. They first two albums were sick... everything after that has completely sucked!!

[Genesis]

Mostly to help the vocalist. It's easier to sing especially when the vocals of the song are in the high range. YGNR by VR and Rock Bottom by UFO are a whole step down.