E13th tuning question

Mark Ardito · From: Chicago, IL, USA

I just go my D-8 Stringmaster, and had a question about a E13th tuning.

I have C6 on the one neck and I would like to put E13 on the other.

Please help with this:

What are the pro's and con's of:

Leon's Tuning
E
G#
B
G#
F#
D
G#
E

Helm's Tuning:
G#
E
C#
B
G#
E
D
B

Or I have seen this one:
E
C#
B
G#
F#
E
D
B

I am mainly looking to play Western Swing style.

Thanks,
Mark

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

I use the Don Helms tuning you listed on my eight string Fender, and I really like it. It works well for both major and minor chords and it's pretty easy to play a whole scale in sixths. It's also the only tuning you listed with a high G# on top.

------------------
Brad's Page of Steel
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Rich Sullivan · From: Nelson, NH 03457

Mark, I use both Leon's and Helms' tunings (as well as B11) on my triple neck to play western swing. I agree with Brad's analysis. Some may think the high G# is too thin, but it just depends on the guitar and setup. If your C6 neck has an E on top, this is basically the same as Helms' tuning down 4 half-steps (with maybe a change to strings 7 or Cool

. I would find this similarity to be a disadvantage, but others might like it for that very reason. Helms' tuning is very intuitive for me and easy to get around on. Play it basically like any other 6th tuning and center your thought around the tonic (I chord) position. Leon's tuning is not intuitive at all for me, although I have more or less come to grips with it (pun intended). I think you need to center your thought around the dominant (V chord) position when you approach this tuning. It does have some beautiful, fat chords available that aren't in Helms' tuning.

Andy Volk · From: Boston, MA

Personally, I never liked the sound of a high G#. I always keep E as my highest string. That way if I get lost on a tuning I can always just play the E string.

Forum Index > Steel Without Pedals		Next oldest topic :: Next newest topic

All times are GMT - 8 Hours	Jump to: