Answered Question

blanketgi...

M$1.00 Funded By Mahalo ? | April 06, 2009 04:17 AM

What exactly is the best or most accurate way to convert alternate tuning guitar tab to piano? Specifically CGCFAD tuning (see details).

I'm attempting to translate guitar tab in CGCFAD tuning to piano. If tab writer specifies this tuning & then places the chords over the lyrics, will (for example) a "D"="D" chord on piano?... Or not b/c of the alternate tuning?

Simply put: Is a "D" always a "D" regardless of tuning? Does the alternate tuning on the guitar just do perhaps what specifying the inversion of a chord & its location on the keyboard do for pianists? Therefore, it is still a "D" on the piano & not some other chord - like an F#? (I just randomly picked a chord here..)

I've tried it on piano & with specific inversions most of the time seems to fit but seems to be missing some information, such as what the bass note might be for the left hand, etc. Perhaps just playing with it & trying to hear it works best?...

I've found many websites that will either show you how to translate guitar tab into piano chords or notes, and sometimes will just do it for you in a program. However, I've found no such thing when one is dealing with tab in alternate tunings. Does it exist? Does anyone know where to find it?

My example: PJ Harvey's "It's You" from "Uh Huh Her" album:

Tuning: Down A Whole Step And Drop C: C G C F A D

Chords used:
E (444xxx)
D (222xxx)
C (000xxx)
G (777xxx)
A (999xxx)
A# (10,10,10,x,x,x)

Verse 1:

E D E
Oh dear sweet mama
D E
I'm not feeling well
D E
Can I step out
C E

(...and so on)

(audio attached via youtube video if it's helpful...)

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Best Answer Decided by Votes

omegahamme...

April 14, 2009 04:28 PM

The problem you may be having is that the chords could be major, minor, diminished, or augmented. But from the information that you have given it would seem that all the chords are major. Though that is unlikely. When you are transcribing from guitar to piano the notes should stay the same becuase they are both "C" instruments no matter the tunning of the guitar strings. When playing the chords on piano make sure the notes are right and then start inverting them to find the best sound. The third or the fifth of the chord is usually a good bass note to try when transferring from guitar.
Source(s):
personal experience

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