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Topic: A Different Kind of Approach to Tuning Multi-neck Steels |
Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 6 Dec 2013 7:11 am |
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File this in the "who gives a ***" section!
I've shown pics of my new D-10 made by Clinesmith, but I've yet to record anything. I'm still really getting to know the instrument and the tunings. It's really brought out an element in my playing that I didn't expect, so I am going to continue to work toward that.
I wanted to talk about the decisions I made with regard to tunings. I had over a year to come up with the tunings and it wasn't really until the guitar arrived that I knew for sure what I wanted. I knew that I wasn't going to be playing any traditional music with this guitar--that's why I ordered it. I felt it was what I needed to help me create my own music.
For a while I contemplated using two C6-based tunings (C13 extended and C6/A7 extended, two pretty different tunings). I also toyed with the idea of a modified Alkire tuning and even a chromatic tuning, until a lightning bolt hit me!
If I am not playing traditional music, then why would I need tunings designed to accommodate that music? I don't like to let the tuning influence my lines--I want my ideas to find their way to the strings. Why couldn't I just have one neck more like a traditional C6 for more common chordal work and one neck designed just for improvisation?
I came up with, after many months of trying to work this out, a very simple and logical tuning that works out remarkably well for my needs. I've always loved (even though I didn't use) the simple 8 string C6 tuning, which is an identical pair of notes: G A C E G A C E. Since I practice what I preach with regard to the whole tetrachord system, I wanted to keep that kind of symmetry, so I decided on using G A C D E G A C D E, which just has the added Ds. I haven't decided whether to call it C6/9 or C Pentatonic (I do get those naming rights, right?).
In addition to giving me a good launching point for single note playing, it also gives me a lot of quartal chords, which is something that is missing from my C13 tuning on my other neck. The C13 tuning I have chosen is very similar to the E9 non-pedal tuning in structure, except I added a major 3rd on top and a 13th. C E G Bb D E G A C E
This is a really good tuning with a lot of chordal possibilities. I am missing some things, but that's OK, because I still have my Clinesmith S8. 
Anyway, I just wanted to talk about the tunings and approach using a separate rhythm and lead neck (although that's not exactly how I approach it), as I think it is a good way to go for someone who is looking to do something else.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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Stephen Abruzzo
From:
Philly, PA
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Posted 6 Dec 2013 11:16 am
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Very interesting. Looking forward to hearing what you come up with on your new steel. Makes sense to have "lead" and "chordal" necks.
What tuning are you keeping your S-8 in? |
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David Knutson
From:
Cowichan Valley, Canada
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Posted 6 Dec 2013 1:05 pm
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Wow, Mike
Looking at that tuning, and considering each note as a possible root, just the range of extended chords in there is a bit staggering.  Whooda thought a simple pentatonic scale . . . . ?
Way more than I could use in what I do but, given what we've been hearing from you lately, you gotta be having nothing but fun.
Go ahead . . . . add an F
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David K |
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Len Amaral
From:
Rehoboth,MA 02769
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Posted 6 Dec 2013 3:29 pm
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Hi Mike:
Congratulations on the new Clinesmith. Super nice instruments.
I admire your approach and experimenting with different tunings. One neck on my MSA SS D-12 is Reese's C6th tuning with a George L pickup and it is nicely voiced. The other neck is E13 with an Alumatone pickup that has a sparkle to it.
Life is too short for bad tone!
Lenny |
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Doug Beaumier
From:
Northampton, MA
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 6 Dec 2013 5:35 pm
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I really love the two tunings so far and how they complement each other. I think the C pent tuning is the coolest thing I have found yet on the steel. If I need to retune any strings, it will be very minimal, as I don't want to confuse the issue any more. The two added strings on each neck, while expanding the possibilities, also expands the difficulty. I'm trying to get a feel for the chords now, and there are a lot of them!
I'm going to a lesson on Tuesday with one of the most promising young jazz guitarists, Nir Felder, and I am only using my lap steel. I am looking to learn in a whole new way how to play in a modern jazz setting.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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Scott Thomas
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Posted 8 Dec 2013 11:49 am
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| I hope you can share some thoughts after your lesson with Nir. I've been checking out his work, and he's amazing. I'm interested to see how he takes to the steel guitar in a real contemporary jazz setting. My guess is it will be a very intriguing meeting of ideas. I would love to see you get into that kind of bag. |
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