String Gauge / Tuning Question

[GuitarHack]

How come nobody seems to up-tune their guitar, at least that I'm aware of? Downtuning is common, but I can't think of too many times I've heard of anyone going the other way.

Is it simply something that wouldn't suit the guitar's natural voice range? Or is it that the singer wouldn't appreciate it? Or that a capo would accomplish pretty much the same thing?

I started thinking about this because I have a bunch of RPS 9 sets laying around, but I'm pretty much exclusively using 10s and 11s these days, for both feel and tone. I got to wondering what 9s tuned up 1-3 half-steps would sound like.

 

[lord knighton]

I guess cause a capo would achieve the same thing but without messing about with re-tuning.

You'd probably have to make some truss rod adjustments if you up-tune a lot too.

 

[the24thfret]

I agree with the fact that a capo would achieve the same results... also, I think to tune up more than a 1/2 step you'd need to go 8s or lower... you'd be surprised how quickly the tension builds up!

 

[threeminutesboy]

you can use the nashville tuning by replacing EAD string with one you would use on a 12 string guitar

 

[Slingy]

Too bad theres no such thing as a compensated capo.

 

[GuitarHack]

Thanks.