Q. for guitarists: why do metal players drop down tune to C?!
Question: Why C?
Answers: Why C?
It provides a "meaner, and more angry" sound. Personally, I think it also makes it easier to play. With looser strings, you don't need as much skill. They are easier to manipulate. Ever try to play metal on an acoustic? Not the same, right?
For a much heavier tone. Ever noticed most metal bands always the drop D, C, Eb and Db. It is to produce more heaviness. Lets thank Tony Iommi for setting the standards for lowering the guitar sound. This way, the guitar sounds and fits the heaviness of the vocalist.
It's a "sweeter" tone. It sounds beefier for the lows and still rips for the highs. SRV used to tune down to an Eminor because of the completely different sound one half step can give you. Most of the bands have been using drop D, but with the invention of the 7 string came new frontiers.
It's a low metal sound that creates a great rage...
For a VERY deep sound. At first, bands that did that stood out because their sound was different than everyone else's. Now its pretty much the norm, for nu-metal stuff.
C is pretty much the lowest you can go without modifying your guitar or getting a 7-string. I mean, I tune down a half-step and I'm using 11's just to stay taut - I can't imagine how careful I'd have to be playing if I was tuned down 2 whole steps! It would take a very light touch, probably combined with locking nuts, I guess. Probably very heavy strings, 12's or 13's maybe.
Detuning = darker sound and more bass. More bass = a more complex distortion - more crunch. I guess it's about as simple as that.
Saul
i tune to G and A on a six string.
i use 14-70 guage strings (mix of d'addario lights and GHS boomers)
the reason is for a heavyer tone and for vocal key
also a particular tuning might be chosen or avoided for mixing and engineering reasons