How Many Tones Can You Raise or Lower a String?

C. E. Jackson · Posted 29 Mar 2014 9:10 am

The reference I use at the current time is:

THE HAWAIIAN STEEL GUITAR AND ITS GREAT HAWAIIAN MUSICIANS
Compiled by Lorene Ruymar with Foreword by Jerry Byrd
Copyright © 1996
Centerstream Publishing

The following information is from page 163.

In the lower paragraph note that the guide states:
"A wound string is more flexible in that it can be tuned 1 1/2 tones (three frets) higher than the note for which is was made without threatening to break, or lowered one tone (two frets) from its standard pitch without losing tone quality. A plain (unwound) string should be raised or lowered one tone (two frets) only."

Although the tone may not be as exact as when using the recommended string gauge for a particular tuning, this guide has worked well for me many times, and helped me avoid changing strings, except on rare occasions.

Please share your guides and experience.

Thanks,

C. E.
_________________
My Vintage Steel Guitars
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A6 tuning for steels

C. E. Jackson · Posted 1 Apr 2014 11:53 am **John Ely's String Gauges for Steel Guitar**

Most of you already know that John Ely has a Hawaiian Steel Guitar Website. However, some newcomers might be interested in visiting his site.

John's site also has quite a bit of information on String Gauges for Steel Guitar:
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.php
_________________
My Vintage Steel Guitars
My YouTube Steel Guitar Playlists
My YouTube Steel Guitar Songs
A6 tuning for steels

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