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Author Topic:  Leavitt tuning
Bobby C. Webster

 

From:
Virginia, USA
Post  Posted 14 Oct 2008 12:16 pm    
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I keep reading about the leavitt tuning.I have no idea what it is. would like to know the tuning for six, eight, and 10 string guitar. can anyone help?
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Richard Damron


From:
Gallatin, Tennessee, USA (deceased)
Post  Posted 14 Oct 2008 1:47 pm    
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Bobby -

I'd suggest that you get in touch with Bill Hatcher here on the forum. If anyone merits the title of "Guru" it must be him. His playing is beyond outstanding. He has posted a couple of his renditions under this heading. Just search for his name and you'll be on the right track.

Respectfully,

Richard
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Brad Bechtel


From:
San Francisco, CA
Post  Posted 14 Oct 2008 2:26 pm    
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It was developed by the late Bill Leavitt of Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. A search on the forum for "Leavitt" turned up 93 different discussions on this topic.

It was originally developed for six strings. Here's a six string version:

1. D
2. C
3. Bb
4. G
5. E
6. C#

Here's one eight string version:

1. G
2. Eb
3. D
4. C
5. Bb
6. G
7. E
8. C#

Another eight string version:
1. B
2. D
3. C
4. Bb
5. G
6. E
7. C#
8. E
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Bill Hatcher

 

From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
Post  Posted 14 Oct 2008 4:13 pm     Re: Leavitt tuning
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Bobby C. Webster wrote:
I keep reading about the leavitt tuning.I have no idea what it is. would like to know the tuning for six, eight, and 10 string guitar. can anyone help?


Bobby.

The Leavitt tuning was originally for 6 strings. Any extension beyond that 6 string tuning has not at all be standardized and is totally up to you.

Whatever you find for your own musical needs will be just fine. If you keep the original 6 notes of the tuning in there somewhere, you cannot go wrong with whatever you choose to add. Each added string opens up so many new possibilities.

Leavitt is a remarkable tuning. I am always finding new things on it. It is not meant to replace any tuning, just to add to the library of the lap guitar.
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Roy Thomson


From:
Wolfville, Nova Scotia,Canada
Post  Posted 14 Oct 2008 4:35 pm    
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Hi Bobby,
I use the Leavitt Tuning on a regular basis
and have been for the past seven years or so.
I have two courses available and you can find
information on my ClicTab Web Site ( see signature
below).
Here is a sample of all the songs on My Leavitt 2
Tablature and matching CD.
Feel free to email me if you wish.
roythomson@eastlink.ca
Link to sample of songs:

http://freefilehosting.net/download/4105a
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Courses Lap Steel, Pedal Steel
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Bill Hatcher

 

From:
Atlanta Ga. USA
Post  Posted 15 Oct 2008 5:20 am    
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You should also check out Mike Ihde's work with the Leavitt. He has really carried the torch of Bill Leavitt since he actually worked with him at Berklee. His 6 string playing is just great and he has a nice site with Leavitt tuning materials.

http://members.core.com/~junod/musicmikeihde.html
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Bobby C. Webster

 

From:
Virginia, USA
Post  Posted 15 Oct 2008 5:58 am     leavitt tuning
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thanks for all the info. the forum guys are the greatest. I tuned my 6 string dobro to the tuning this morning and it sounds like i have ny work cut out for me.
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Blake Wilson


From:
Boulder CO, USA
Post  Posted 15 Oct 2008 6:55 am    
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I second the recommendation for Mike Ihde's Leavitt tuning training set, "A Different Slant". Be sure to buy the backing tracks CD as well. I listen to the full arrangement CD all the time and love Mike's thick, expressive tone. The Leavitt tuning fools your ears into thinking you are listening to something other than a little ol' steel guitar. I'd love to hear more from Mike's steel with more minimal arrangements as well. Does he have any recordings available?

Regards,

Blake Wilson
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Mike Ihde


From:
Boston, MA
Post  Posted 15 Oct 2008 10:28 pm    
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Thanks for the kind words. The CD and book "A Different Slant" are available here on the Forum.

http://steelguitarmusic.com/music/mikeihde.html

I'm working on a new Leavitt Tuning CD and book now that my guitar book is finally finished. If you love all styles of guitar playing, check it out.

www.mikeihde.com
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