down tuning

[bluetortilla]

On songs that call for down tuning (say a step), how should I interpret the chords from there? For example, should I fret an E chord just as if I was tuned to Open E (EADBGE), or do I have to figure out what an E chord would be under a Open D (?) tuned guitar (DGCAFD)?

For instance, Lou Reed's 'Heroin' calls for a one step down tuning but the sheet music will either call for an E/A chord, or a D flat, depending on the interpreter. Is the fingering the same? Obviously, on a guitar that has down tuned one note, fretting an 'E' will not produce an E. What's the common practice with this? Relative chording?

Thanks,

Bluetortilla

[Katau]

It varies depending on who you're trying to emulate (or song). However, my practice it to down tune all of the strings...ex/ DGCAFD