Tuning up a half step or whole step

by Tessa
(Tennessee)

Question: Can you tune your guitar up a half step or a whole step to avoid using a capo?

Answer

In a word, yes. Just to add however, do not tune higher than a whole step (F# B E Ab C# F#) as you will most likely be putting too much pressure on the strings and the neck.

You can also tune up a half or whole step to help stretch new strings in, followed by a few long whole step bends all the way up the fretboard for each string.