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Topic: Anyone use this tuning? |
Cliff Kane
From:
the late great golden state
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Posted 20 Jul 2000 11:26 pm |
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E13 tuned (low to high) B, E, G#, B C#, E.
I just started taking lessons for 6-string non-pedal lap steel, and this is the tuning my teacher has me using. I've learned "Steel Guitar Rag" on it, but all of the other E13 tuning I've found on the net and in books are different. What do people think of this particular version of E13? Is it superior or inferior to other E13's (such as B, D, E, G#, C#, E), or are all pretty equal?
(It sure is nice to finally get some human interaction with a teacher)
Thanks folks! |
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C Dixon
From:
Duluth, GA USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2000 5:39 am
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Both the tunings you list were used and taught in earlier times. Probably having the D note was more popular because it does give the 13th chord not possible with the first tuning you listed.
You are doing correctly. By analyzing and experimenting, it cultures your ear/brain to what makes our instrument so unique.
I venture to say that not even graduates of the "Julliard School of Music", have had the pleasure and awe of what we have in an instrument that can be tuned over a hundred different ways. Most of theirs have a fixed tuning.
Too bad our instrument never caught their accomplished eyes.
God bless all of you,
carl |
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Michael Johnstone
From:
Sylmar,Ca. USA
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Posted 21 Jul 2000 11:13 am
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| The tuning you described is not an E13 - it is an E6. An E13 would have all those notes PLUS a D and an F# because the chord formula for a 13th chord(in terms of scale degrees) is 1,3,5,6,7,9 - not necessarily in that order,of course.It really takes an 8 string guitar to get a workable 13th tuning - roots and fifths in octaves,one major third,and one of each dominant extension(6,7&9). -MJ- |
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George Keoki Lake
From:
Edmonton, AB., Canada
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Posted 21 Jul 2000 8:15 pm
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Michael is correct. When you study theory, scales and chord structures you will have a better understanding of why a tuning is named as it is. The E6th tuning your teacher is instructing you is an excellent choice not only for Hawaiian but also for Western Swing....(or jazz).
One of the above posts mentioned "hundreds of tunings"...possibly so, as it is possible to tune the steel guitar to most any chordal format you desire. But in reality, only some 10 to 15 tunings are what could be termed as "practical". Even that is too many as I know of very few arrangers who will attempt to place a steel guitar section into an arrangement due to the fact there is no ONE standard tuning as is with the regular plectrum guitar, (or violin, mandolin, etc.), and most could'nt read it anyway !
Also, the problem of messing around with too many tunings is you'll go ahead 3 steps and fall back 5. Best to settle on two (or at most, three) and learn each of them well. E6 - C6 and B11 are 3 good choices. Study E6 thoroughly before you move on to the next tuning. You should endeavor to know every note on every string on every fret and above all, have a full understanding of scales and chord structures. It will take time, but you'll be glad in the long run. |
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Cliff Kane
From:
the late great golden state
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Posted 22 Jul 2000 9:02 am
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Thanks everyone for your enlightening replies. I'll have my second lesson this Monday--I guess I'll have to tell my teacher that his tuning is E6, not E13 (!). I don't know diddly about chord & scale structure, and other theory, and my teacher doesn't seem to know too much either; however, he's a great western swing player and lives close--at least I can learn some technique and tunes, and then pick-up theory on the side. It might seem odd, givin the fact that I live so close to L. A., but the only other teacher I could find was Blackie Taylor out in Riverside--I'd love to take some lessons from him, but right now I just can't see making the haul out there.
It's pretty fun playing "Steel Guitar Rag" in this E6 tuning--the tune almost plays itself. I'm looking forward to learning this thing and finally UNDERSTANDING music. One thing for sure, this guitar sounds so sweet, and it's a thrill just to slide up slowly to a note and make a vibrato.
Thanks again and take care,
Cliff |
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