Unlock a Shimmering Sound: A Complete Guide to Nashville Guitar Tuning

Have you ever heard a guitar track that sounds incredibly bright, almost ethereal, and wondered what magic was behind it? The answer might lie in Nashville tuning, also known as high-strung tuning. This unique approach to stringing a guitar transforms its tonal character, creating a sparkling, octave-doubled effect that’s perfect for adding texture and dimension to your recordings or live performances. While it might sound complex, Nashville tuning is actually quite straightforward once you understand the principles involved. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to tune your guitar to Nashville tuning, including the specific string gauges, step-by-step instructions, and some tips for getting the best results.

What is Nashville Tuning?

Nashville tuning essentially takes the bottom four strings of a standard guitar – typically E, A, D, and G – and raises their pitches by an octave. The top two strings, B and E, remain at their standard pitch. This creates a unique tonal landscape where the low-end is less prominent, and the higher frequencies become much more pronounced. This effect is achieved not by simply tightening the standard strings, which would cause breakage, but by using thinner gauge strings. So, instead of your standard low E string being a thick, heavy-gauge string, it’ll be a thinner string tuned up an octave higher, same with the A, D, and G.

The Unique Sound of Nashville Tuning

The resulting sound of Nashville tuning is often described as shimmering, jangly, and bright. It adds a layer of high-end sparkle that can complement other guitar tracks beautifully. It doesn’t have the robust low end of standard tuning, and that’s the point. It excels in creating spaciousness and adding a unique texture to a song. It’s particularly useful in recording situations where you want a guitar part to sit nicely in the mix without overpowering the other instruments. Many artists use it to layer over a guitar in standard tuning, creating a rich, almost 12-string-like sound without the need for an actual 12-string guitar.

Why Use Nashville Tuning?

There are several reasons why you might want to explore Nashville tuning:

• Layered Textures: It’s fantastic for adding a shimmering high-end layer to your recordings. When paired with a standard-tuned guitar, it creates a lush, full sonic texture.
• Unique Tonal Character: The bright, jangly sound is quite distinct and can add a fresh perspective to your music. It’s a great way to experiment with new sonic landscapes.
• Recording Versatility: It allows a guitar track to sit higher in the mix, making it easier to differentiate between the parts and creating sonic space.
• Live Performance Variety: In a live setting, switching to a guitar in Nashville tuning can offer a sonic change that keeps the audience engaged and offers something fresh without a lot of equipment changes.
• Composing Tool: Nashville tuning can inspire you to write different types of songs or create different kinds of guitar parts because it changes your perspective on the instrument.

Understanding String Gauges for Nashville Tuning

The most critical part of achieving successful Nashville tuning is using the correct string gauges. Using standard gauge strings and tuning them up an octave would almost certainly lead to breakage. You need strings that are thin enough to handle the increased tension of higher pitches without snapping. Here is a breakdown of the string gauges typically used for Nashville tuning:

• High E String (Standard): 0.012″ (or your normal gauge for a high E string, typically between .010 to .012)
• B String (Standard): 0.016″ (or your normal gauge for a B string, typically between .012 to .016)
• G String: 0.010″ (or sometimes 0.011″) – This is a critical change. Instead of the standard wound G, you’re using a plain steel string
• D String: 0.014″ (or sometimes 0.015″) – Again, much thinner than a standard D string.
• A String: 0.022″ (or sometimes 0.024″) – Significantly thinner than the standard A string.
• Low E String: 0.032″ (or sometimes 0.034″) – This is an important shift. You’re moving to a thin, wound string for an octave up pitch.

Note: These gauges are recommendations, and some players might prefer slight variations. It’s best to start with these guidelines and adjust to your preference over time. It’s important to note that you will likely need to purchase individual strings to create your Nashville set, as they are not typically bundled together. For the low E through G strings, you’ll be selecting strings that are normally high e or b strings and the like from another normal gauge set to use in the different positions. You might consider buying a few sets of a few different gauges to experiment with in the first go-around.

Where to Find Nashville Tuning String Sets: While not as common as standard sets, some guitar string manufacturers now offer pre-packaged Nashville tuning sets. These are usually labeled as “High-Strung Sets.” You can find them in most major online guitar retailers, or at your local music store that carries a decent selection of strings. However, it is still often necessary to mix and match single strings from standard sets. Just pay close attention to gauges when making your purchases. Buying individual strings is the most reliable way to ensure you’re getting the precise gauges you need for Nashville tuning.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tuning Your Guitar to Nashville Tuning

Now that you understand the string gauges, let’s get to the tuning process itself. This requires a tuner and a bit of patience as it can be a different feel from standard tuning. However, once you get the hang of it, it’s straightforward. Let’s jump in:

1. Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have:

• Your guitar (preferably one that you don’t mind experimenting with)
• A set of appropriate strings (Nashville Tuning String Set or individual strings with gauges specified earlier)
• A reliable guitar tuner (electronic or app based is ideal).
• String winder (optional but recommended)
• String Cutters (optional but recommended)

2. Remove Your Existing Strings

If your guitar is currently strung with standard strings, you will need to remove them carefully before restringing. It’s recommended to change only one string at a time, as this keeps the tension on the guitar neck more consistent during the process. Loosen the strings using your tuning pegs and carefully remove them from the bridge and tuning posts.

3. Install New Strings

Starting with the low E string (the thickest string on the guitar), install the new 0.032″ (or 0.034″) string as you would normally. If you’re new to changing strings, start by inserting the end of the string that has the ball end at the bridge. Then, feed the other end through the appropriate hole on the headstock and through the tuning post. Turn the tuning key so that the string is wound and the string is tightened. Repeat this process for the other strings, paying attention to the specific gauges mentioned earlier. Ensure that you have the strings in the right position with the correct gauge.

* Low E (6th): 0.032″ (or 0.034″)
* A (5th): 0.022″ (or 0.024″)
* D (4th): 0.014″ (or 0.015″)
* G (3rd): 0.010″ (or 0.011″)
* B (2nd): 0.016″ (or standard for B string)
* High E (1st): 0.012″ (or standard for high E string)

4. Initial Tuning (Low E String)

Now that your guitar has new strings, it’s time to begin the tuning process. We’ll start with the low E string. Instead of tuning it to the standard low E, you’ll be tuning it up an octave. Use your tuner and tune the low E string to the note E2 which is the same as the second E on a piano. If you’re using an electronic tuner, it’ll read the note as an E. Some electronic tuners will show the octave, and some will not. If you know the 2nd E on the keyboard, listen to that as a guide as you tighten the string slowly and make the proper adjustments.

5. Initial Tuning (A String)

Next, tune the A string. Again, instead of tuning it to standard low A, you’ll be tuning it up an octave to the note A3. If you’re using a tuner, be sure to check that it shows the correct octave. Again, tune slowly and make the proper adjustments.

6. Initial Tuning (D String)

Now, tune the D string. Tune it up an octave, to the note D3. This is the same note that you would find on the 10th fret of your low E string. It can be useful as a starting point if you don’t have an electronic tuner.

7. Initial Tuning (G String)

Tune the G string up an octave to the note G3, which you may also know as the note on the 3rd fret of the low E string. Go slowly and carefully and make sure that the string settles into tune without any unnecessary tension.

8. Initial Tuning (B String)

The B string remains at standard pitch. Use your tuner and tune the B string to B3. This is the same B note as a standard tuning.

9. Initial Tuning (High E String)

The high E string also remains at the standard pitch. Use your tuner and tune the high E string to E4. This is the standard high e that we would normally tune to.

10. Fine-Tuning and Stretching

After the initial tuning, your strings will likely need to stretch, and the tuning will drift. Continue to tune each string until all strings remain in their respective tunings. You may need to do this process several times before the strings hold their tune. It is helpful to bend each string lightly a few times to help it stretch. You can also pull the strings a little bit. Just be careful when doing so to not break the string. This is called stretching the strings. It is often best practice to put on new strings a day or two before you use them, so that they have more time to stretch and hold their tuning better by the time you need them. Also be sure to recheck your tuning before you play as the strings may have moved from the last time you tuned them.

Nashville Tuning Summary

Here’s a summary of the pitches to use when tuning your guitar to Nashville Tuning:

• Low E String (6th): E2 (An Octave Above Standard Low E)
• A String (5th): A3 (An Octave Above Standard A)
• D String (4th): D3 (An Octave Above Standard D)
• G String (3rd): G3 (An Octave Above Standard G)
• B String (2nd): B3 (Standard B Pitch)
• High E String (1st): E4 (Standard High E Pitch)

Tips and Tricks for Nashville Tuning

To make your experience with Nashville tuning even smoother, here are some helpful tips:

• Start with a Quality Guitar: While Nashville tuning can work on almost any guitar, a well-made instrument will hold the tuning better and produce a more stable sound.
• Use Quality Strings: The quality of your strings directly impacts your tone. Invest in high-quality strings made from a reputable brand to get the best results.
• Consider a Dedicated Guitar: If you plan to use Nashville tuning frequently, consider dedicating a specific guitar to this tuning. This will save you time and effort of restringing and retuning often.
• Practice and Patience: Initially, tuning and adjusting to the different tension can be challenging. Practice tuning slowly and patiently. Over time it’ll get easier.
• Adjusting Intonation: You may need to adjust your intonation if it is significantly different for the new string gauges. This means that you will adjust the saddles of your bridge (usually with a screwdriver or allen wrench) so that the guitar will play in tune up and down the neck. If you are unfamiliar with intonation, there are many guides online that can help you with that, or you can bring your guitar to a professional luthier or guitar repair person.
• Experiment with Different Gauges: Don’t be afraid to try slight variations in string gauges to find the sound that works best for you. You may find a certain combination you like best.
• Listen to Nashville-Tuned Music: Familiarize yourself with how Nashville-tuned guitars sound in professional recordings. Artists like the Byrds, the Beatles, and more modern artists like Taylor Swift have employed this sound. Hearing examples can help guide your experimentation.
• Keep an Eye on Your Neck: A different tension may cause more or less bow to your guitar neck. Keep an eye on your setup and consider seeing a luthier if your neck seems out of place.

Creative Applications of Nashville Tuning

Now that you’re set up with Nashville tuning, let’s explore some ways to use it creatively:

• Layering with Standard Tuning: Record a guitar track in standard tuning and then play the same or a complimentary part using Nashville tuning. When combined, these tracks create a full, lush texture that has a very wide stereo image.
• Fingerpicking: The shimmering sound of Nashville tuning is excellent for fingerpicking styles. The high-end sparkle makes each note clearer and more distinct.
• Arpeggios and Chords: The bright tonality is excellent for arpeggios and chords where you want each note to ring out clearly. It can add a beautiful, ethereal quality to your playing.
• Lead Lines: Nashville tuning is good for writing higher-register lead lines or riffs. When played higher up on the neck, it can add a unique color and tone.
• Alternate Tunings: Experiment with alternate tunings on your Nashville-tuned guitar. The combination can yield unique and interesting results.
• Acoustic Accompaniment: If you have an acoustic song with a fairly simple guitar part, try playing it with Nashville tuning to add some texture and color to the song.
• Adding Texture to Ballads: Nashville Tuning can also be very effective in ballads, adding sparkle and shimmer to simple chord progressions.

Final Thoughts

Nashville tuning is a powerful tool in any guitarist’s arsenal. It opens up new sonic possibilities and inspires creativity. With the right strings, a tuner, and a bit of practice, you can unlock this unique and beautiful sound. Whether you’re recording in the studio or performing live, Nashville tuning offers a fresh perspective on your guitar playing. Experiment with it, have fun, and see where it takes your music!

So, go ahead, restring your guitar and experience the magic of Nashville tuning for yourself!