Personally, I don't buy any blanket statement that it is always wrong to tune down, or differently, or use a capo. These instruments are tools for our creativity and musical expression. Sure, certain styles have certain techniques that are characteristic of the style... but imho, there's no reason NOT to adapt them to whatever we need them for.
So if a capo helps, or using a GDAD or ADAE tuning helps, or tuning down a 1/2 step in order to be able to sing a long better... why not?
I also agree with John McGann that it is important to know that instruments are constructed to sound well at a certain pitch, and that the tone will change when tuning lower or capo-ing higher. Sometimes different string gauges are called for in order to maintain the right tension to get good resonance. But really, the "standards" we have are conventions... developed over years, but not carved in stone.
It is also true that some of these methods are understood to be shortcuts for good technique. And in some cases, that's true. But not everybody has the time, inclination, talent or whatever to learn optimal technique. To me, the proof is in the music... how does it sound? And are the players and listeners enjoying it?
KE
Karen Escovitz
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Otter OM #1
Brian Dean OM #32
Old Wave Mandola #372
Phoenix Neoclassical #256
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If you're gonna walk on thin ice, you might as well dance!
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