For this article a short brief about adapted Nashville tuning. I use the term “adapted” since this string gauge is based on regular Nashville tuning.
Nashville Tuning
Regular Nashville tuning uses the same string pitch as you already use: Standard tuning, but you change your strings to the melody strings of a regular 12-string set. A example of a typical Nashville tuning string set is: (low to high) 0.26, 0.20 (plain), 0.12, 0.09, 0.12, 0.09
Looking at the string gauges you will notice there is only one wound string: The low E, and this string is a lot lower than what you would normally use.
Where is Nashville Tuning Used For?
Why would you use this idea? The sound of your strings is a lot brighter and twangy. Nashville tuning can be used to beef up the sound of guitars on recordings or any ensemble playing. It will add more twang to your chords. Most of your low end has disappeared and your guitar will sound a little like a Mandolin.
Adapted Nashville tuning uses regular string gauge set, the only difference is for your low E and the D string. You can use the same gauges for these strings as what was mentioned above for Nashville tuning: 0.26 and a 0.20 (plain)
No New Tunings or Fingerings are Needed!
You can tune your strings to regular pitch or use altered or any open open tuning you like. All work well for this string alteration.
Unison Tunings
Adapted Nashville is great for unison tunings: Any tuning where you use a set of 2 strings and tune them to the same pitch. Since we have 6 strings you will end up by having 3 sets of a similar pitch. You could simply tune to a triad or any other chord you may like.
When you use the unison tuning you will find you will have a melody- and bass string available for your playing, which is similar as when you would play a regular 12-string guitar.
Adapted Nashville tuning is great for chords, any type of rhythm playing or improvising: Simply use your low E, D or G string as drone note whilst you improvise over the given drone tone.
Try the adapted Nashville tuning for yourself to see if it inspires you to play any new styles of music compared to the styles you are already familiar with.
Check out video underneath for more ideas related to Nashville Tuning
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Eddie