Yeah it doesn't matter at all. A lot of metal bands keep their guitars tuned down. My band makes me tune down a WHOLE STEP!!! which I hate but they insist that it makes everything sound darker....which it does I guess. I countered the slack on the strings by using Zakk Wylde signature series GHS Boomer string...there are two sets; his normal ones, and his set he uses for low tunings...the low E is .70 gauge!!! It helps the snap-back on the string and keeps good tension going. I only use those on the guitar I keep a step low. But I like to practice at standard tuning.