Why not B6 tuning?

James Mayer · Posted 11 May 2015 9:16 am

After a multi-year hiatus from playing steel, I'm trying to get back into it. One of the things I want to accomplish is to get away from having multiple tunings and really learn one tuning thoroughly. The problem is, I want to play both non-pedal and pedal steel. The logical solution seems (to me) to be a B6 non-pedal tuning. Dropping the "E"s on the E9 PSG means I can transfer whatever I learn from the non-pedal. Searching the forum archives, I was surprised to find very little information on anyone doing this.

This also begs the question of why the second neck of a PSG is tuned to C6 when it could more directly relate to the E9 by tuning down a semitone to B6.

Why not?

Tom Campbell · From: Houston, Texas, USA

The 12 string universal tuning (pedal steel) is E9/B6. It does what you are describing. I play my non-pedal songs on B6 all the time...just engage the Eb knee lever and I have B6.

Morgan Scoggins · From: Georgia, USA

I have always felt about the same as you do about B6 tuning Tom. I started out back in 2007 and first got involved in learning all those Hank Williams songs in E6 tuning like Don Helms. I never could stand the high shrill sound that came from the 1st string G#. Once I learned a bit more about tunings, I started playing those same songs in B6 tuning or let's say dropping down a fifth. I still use that tuning today because it is a little more "user friendly". The keys of D, E, F, G and A are all in the middle of the fretboard and I don't get disoriented when changing keys.
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Jeff Mead · From: London, England

Dropping the Es only gives you a 5 string B6 (i.e. the C6 most commonly used on lap steels at the first fret).

I prefer to press the A&B pedals and lower the D to C# with a lever which gives me a six string version of my regular A6 lap steel tuning on strings 4-9 (plus a high A on the 3rd).

As a guitar player, I find A6 requires less mental gymnastics than C6 or B6.

b0b · From: Cloverdale, CA, USA

I use the same tuning on my 8-string lap steel as my pedal steel - D6th. It has advantages. I only get confused on the rare occasion when I have to play E9th pedal steel.. Cool

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Niels Andrews · From: Salinas, California, USA

Look at Zane Beck's E6/9 tuning. Zane King has quite a few you tube video's about it. It pretty much gives you all you need. I never really understood the argument I play a two neck guitar because so and so did. Most use the C6 as an armrest anyways.
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Rick Abbott · From: Indiana, USA

I suppose one part of the answer is tradition. C6 was popular long before E9 Nashville tuning became a standard tuning. So, for players trying to play the then "modern music" along with "standards" (western swing popular standards and old country) from yesteryear, one could get a lot of mileage out of C6 along with the E9 which easily accomodates other styles beyond country, but had become THE new sound of popular country music. Just a thought.
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Bob Simons · From: Kansas City, Mo, USA

I tune my 10 string non-pedal guitar to B6 ( just like my U12 except that the non-pedal has an F# for the 1st string position) Neck now makes perfect sense.
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Sonny Jenkins · From: Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx

I definitely tune my non-pedal to B6!!!! (saves confusion when I go to my uni!!!)

Niels Andrews · From: Salinas, California, USA

By the way on a uni when you lower your E's it is B6!
_________________
Die with Memories. Not Dreams.
Good Stuff like Zum S-12, Wolfe Resoport
MSA SS-12, Telonics Combo.

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

Brian McGaughey · From: Orcas Island, WA USA

Seems to me the problem is that you'll be picking around the 9th string on pedal steel E9 but not working around any string between B and D# on the lap, unless you put one there. So right away the patterns don't transfer exactly.

To me each guitar is a different beast that calls for different music and a different approach. Just my opinion.

I can completely relate with the idea of trying to learn ONE thing!

Dennis Detweiler · From: Solon, Iowa, US

There is no open D at the 9th string on a u-12. So, the E to Eb's leaves a strummable B6. The B is moved up to the 9th string and pulled to a D to get back to the standard position. If I was playing a single 10, I would also have it that way with a G# as the 10th string. Some would probably prefer an E on the 10th.
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chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

why have we not heard some fine signature steel parts on a modern recording in the mainstream market that was played on a universal tuning?
or have we?

chris ivey · From: california (deceased)

cowboy long just came to mind. others?

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