Will tuning a full step up hurt my guitar?

[unsunder]

I'm playing a set this week that requires a capo on 2 for all songs. It would sound a heck of a lot better to play truly open I just don't want to damage my guitar.

[Sober]

It will not damage your guitar. The only thing you probably need to do is adjust your neck (trussrod) for an ideal stringaction.

O, sh@t! You wrote a full step up! I read a step down. Mmm, I would not take the risk of tuning a whole step up. I would be worried about the bridge coming loose. I'm not sure that is actually going to happen, but I wouldn't take the risk.

[12barBill]

What chords can you not play that require you to capo 2 on all songs? Do you know how to transpose keys?

[Tycho]

Did you ever watch the great show Arrested Development?  If you tune your guitar a full step up, chances are good that you'll find yourself uttering one of the catch-phrases from that show: "I've made a huge mistake." 

[12barBill]

Unsunder, by the way, I did not mean for that to sound sarcastic.

         

[stuco]

 

I wouldn't do it on an acoustic.

[Denis]

I wouldn't do it on an acoustic.

Especially if you're using mediums!!!

[unsunder]

Transposing would be a problem with suspended chords.
Looks like I'll go ahead and use a capo.

[drathbun]

Step down yes... step up NO! Eeek... run! Larrrivee collapsing!

[dberch]

I think if you put on extra lights (.009s or .010s) you will probably be fine for one show.  Not sure I'd leave it that way for the long term, though.

David

[unsunder]

I just bought a Planet Waves NS capo per recommendations from the board. It's compact and very low profile. I couldn't see myself using if I had to move it around at all.

[Tony Burns]

Yes it can hurt your guitar , your strings may not take it very long either - i think it always better to use a capo than take that chance .