I recently started a cover band and we're running into a lot of alternate tunings; standard, Drop D, 1/2 step down, drop Db, etc. People want to be able to learn the songs by playing along with the tracks but matching pitch will require more retuning, guitar switches, etc. when you play out.
My feeling is that you worry about alternate tunings only when you learn the songs; Ex. tune down a 1/2 step so you can play a tune in E instead of Eb to match the recorded version. When you practice as a group you disregard the fact that it's tuned lower; Ex. you play in E on a guitar with standard tuning.
Here are the two possible downsides I see.
1) The singer would logically prefer to practice with the recording in the exact same key we will play in. However, I think he will probably be able to compensate for 1/2 step difference without even knowing it (unless the song pushes his upper register).
2) The bass player doesn't want to retune to play along with/learn the songs. I think it will ultimately make things a lot easier for him if he plays by position instead of absolute pitch. Playing in E or A has GOT to be easier than playing in Eb or Ab on a standard tuned bass, right?
Interested in hearing everybody's opinion.
Brian C.