Unlocking a Shimmering Sound: A Comprehensive Guide to Nashville Guitar Tuning

Have you ever heard a guitar track that sounds both familiar and strikingly different? A bright, almost ethereal quality that seems to float above the mix? You might have been listening to a guitar tuned in Nashville tuning, also known as high-strung tuning. This unique setup involves replacing some of the standard guitar strings with thinner gauges, creating a higher-pitched and more jangly sound. While it’s not the go-to tuning for every genre, it adds a beautiful texture, particularly when layered with a traditionally tuned guitar. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what Nashville tuning is, how to achieve it step-by-step, and the musical contexts where it truly shines.

What is Nashville Tuning?

Nashville tuning, at its core, is a variation of standard guitar tuning (E A D G B e). The fundamental difference lies in the octave displacement of the lower strings. Instead of the standard, thick bass strings, you’ll use thinner, higher-pitched strings. Specifically:

• The E4 string (low E) is replaced with a thinner string tuned an octave higher.
• The A3 string is also replaced with a thinner string tuned an octave higher.
• The D3 string is also replaced with a thinner string tuned an octave higher.
• The G3 string remains the same.
• The B2 string remains the same.
• The e2 string (high e) remains the same.

This results in a bright, chiming sound that’s rich in harmonics and overtones. It creates a sonic texture that sits incredibly well within a mix, adding a shimmering, almost 12-string-like effect, without the added complexity of a true 12-string.

Why Use Nashville Tuning?

Nashville tuning offers several advantages, particularly in recording and live performance:

• Enhanced Harmonic Content: The higher-pitched strings generate a wealth of harmonics, creating a lush and full sound.
• Clear Separation in Mixes: A Nashville-tuned guitar often sits perfectly in a mix, creating sonic separation from a standard-tuned guitar.
• Adds Shimmering Texture: It’s particularly useful for adding a high-end sparkle and chime to acoustic arrangements, creating a dynamic and engaging soundscape.
• Unique Sonic Palette: It’s a great tool for exploring different tonal colors, providing a distinct alternative to standard tuning.
• Studio Versatility: In recording, doubling a part with a Nashville-tuned guitar can add depth and richness, creating a spacious, almost chorus-like effect.

Step-by-Step Guide to Nashville Tuning

Now, let’s dive into the practical steps for tuning your guitar to Nashville tuning:

1. Gather Your Supplies

• Acoustic Guitar: While Nashville tuning is most common on acoustic guitars, it can be used on electric guitars too (though the effect is less dramatic).
• New Strings: You’ll need a set of light-gauge strings that are compatible with your guitar. It’s advisable to buy individual strings, or string gauges, as Nashville tuning calls for a different mix of string sizes than a standard set. Specific string gauges are recommended and discussed further below.
• String Winder (Optional but Recommended): A string winder can make changing strings quicker and easier.
• Tuner: An electronic tuner is vital for precise tuning.
• Wire Cutters or Pliers: For trimming excess string after installation.

2. Understand the String Gauges

The key to Nashville tuning is using the correct string gauges. Here’s the typical breakdown of strings and their corresponding standard string replacements:

• Standard E4 (Low E): This string is usually the thickest one on your guitar. For Nashville tuning, this is replaced with a .027 or .028 gauge string, which is usually the same as the 3rd string (.024) in a standard set.
• Standard A3: Usually the second thickest string on your guitar. This is replaced with a .018 or .020 gauge string, which is usually the same as the 2nd string (.016) in a standard set.
• Standard D3: Usually the third string on your guitar. This is replaced with a .012 gauge string, which is usually the same as the 1st string (.012) in a standard set.
• Standard G3: This string remains the same. Typically the .024 or .025 gauge string from your standard light gauge set.
• Standard B2: This string remains the same. Typically the .016 or .018 gauge string from your standard light gauge set.
• Standard e2 (High E): This string remains the same. Typically the .012 or .013 gauge string from your standard light gauge set.

It’s worth noting that these are recommendations; depending on your guitar and personal preference, you might want to slightly adjust these gauges. For example, some prefer slightly heavier gauge strings on their acoustic, even in Nashville tuning. A good set to start with for Nashville tuning could include .012, .016, .012, .024, .018, and .027.

3. Remove the Existing Strings

Start by loosening the tuning pegs to slacken the tension on each string. Once they are loose enough, you can remove the strings from the bridge. If your guitar has bridge pins, carefully pull them out (a string winder often has a tool for this). Remove the old strings completely.

4. Install the New Strings

Now, it’s time to install your Nashville-tuned strings. Pay close attention to the string gauges as you go:

• Install the new Low E string (.027 or .028 gauge). Thread the string through the bridge (ensuring the ball end is securely placed) and over the saddle. Then, insert the end of the string through the tuning peg and begin winding the string. Make sure you wind the string so that the coils go towards the center of the headstock to secure the tension.
• Install the new A string (.018 or .020 gauge). Repeat the same procedure as the E string.
• Install the new D string (.012 gauge). Repeat the same procedure as before.
• Install the regular G string (.024 or .025 gauge).
• Install the regular B string (.016 or .018 gauge).
• Install the regular High E string (.012 or .013 gauge).

Make sure the strings are securely attached to the bridge and the tuning pegs. Leave a bit of slack, don’t tighten them all the way at first.

5. Tune the Guitar

With all the strings installed, it’s time to tune them. Because you are now using a combination of lower and higher strings in unusual places, it’s important that you are meticulous at this stage. Using your electronic tuner, tune each string to the correct notes:

• High E string: e2 (the same as the standard high E)
• B string: B2 (the same as the standard B)
• G string: G3 (the same as the standard G)
• D string: D4 (an octave higher than standard)
• A string: A4 (an octave higher than standard)
• Low E string: E4 (an octave higher than standard)

Tune each string slowly and carefully. It’s best to tune each string slightly sharp of the target note, then tune back down to the correct pitch, which helps stabilize the strings. As the strings are new, they will stretch and slip slightly. You will need to repeat this tuning process multiple times as the strings settle.

6. Stretch the Strings

New strings tend to stretch out of tune quickly, especially during the first few hours of use. To help them settle quicker, gently stretch each string by pulling it away from the fretboard. Don’t pull too hard, just enough to add tension. Re-tune after stretching, and continue this process until the strings hold their tune relatively well.

7. Trim Excess String

Once your guitar is stable in tune, you can use wire cutters or pliers to trim off the excess string at the tuning pegs. Be careful not to cut too close to the peg to avoid slippage. Leave around 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch excess.

Tips and Troubleshooting

• String Gauge Preferences: While the above recommendations are a good starting point, feel free to experiment. Some guitarists prefer lighter or heavier gauges based on their playing style and the guitar itself. It’s an area that takes some time to find what’s best for you.
• String Breaks: Because the strings in a Nashville tuning are generally thinner, they can be more prone to breaking if tuned too high or played too aggressively. Keep spare strings on hand!
• Intonation: Check the intonation after tuning. Nashville tuning might require minor adjustments to the saddle intonation to ensure correct pitch up and down the neck. Often, minor adjustments aren’t necessary for this kind of tuning.
• String Brands: Different string brands can have varying tensions and sounds. Try several brands to find your preference.
• Guitar Setup: Nashville tuning might reveal any existing setup issues on your guitar, such as high action or buzzing frets. Make sure your guitar is properly setup before you dive into Nashville tuning.
• Recording: When recording with a Nashville-tuned guitar, experiment with mic placement to achieve the desired sound. It’s often best placed as a room mic, rather than right up close, to capture its chiming and bright sound.
• Playing Techniques: Nashville tuning can be played using the same techniques as standard tuning, but your fingering will require slight adjustment. It’s worth practicing some familiar patterns and chords on your newly tuned guitar.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different tunings and combinations. Nashville tuning is just the start, you can tweak it for your liking, even try other variations.

Musical Applications of Nashville Tuning

Nashville tuning can be used across genres, but it is particularly well-suited for:

• Folk and Country: It adds a beautiful, shimmering quality to acoustic folk and country music.
• Pop: It can add a unique texture to pop arrangements, making the melodies soar.
• Rock: It can be used as a secondary guitar part to add texture and layers to rock music.
• Ambient/Atmospheric Music: Its ethereal sound can create a beautiful foundation for ambient or atmospheric soundscapes.
• Layered Tracks: In the studio, it is commonly used for doubling parts, creating a rich, layered effect when paired with a standard-tuned guitar.

Conclusion

Nashville tuning is a fantastic tool for any guitarist looking to explore new sonic textures and expand their playing options. While it requires specific string gauges and a careful tuning process, the payoff is a bright, shimmering sound that can transform your music. With patience and practice, you can harness the power of Nashville tuning to create unique and captivating guitar tracks. Now that you’ve got a full guide, grab those strings and start exploring!