Tunings with the 5th on top - most popular?

John Bushouse · Posted 16 Dec 2003 9:29 am

Hi all,

I'm wondering what 6 or 8 string tunings that have the 5th as the first string (i.e., C6 with the high G) are most popular?

C6? A6? G6? Others?

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I have always used an E as my first string. On both 6 string and 8 string. On my T-8 Stringmaster I tune to A6th, C#m7, and C6.
Erv

[This message was edited by Erv Niehaus on 16 December 2003 at 09:36 AM.]

Rich Young · From: Georgetown, TX, USA

I use the G on top of the C6. Having played slide guitar in open tunings, it was easier to see - like open A up 3 frets.
Plus I like how the intervals lay out that way.

Ron Randall · From: Dallas, Texas, USA

John
I imagine there are as many tunings as ways to cook 'taters! Most popular? I don't know, but I would guess C6.
I use Bb6 on 8 string electric, which puts the fifth, F, on top. The string is a little bigger gauge than a G. I like the sound. And it matches my PSG Bb6 Universal. This puts my C position at the 2nd fret, instead of at the nut.
A6 is a very popular tuning. Past and present day.(fifth on top)
On my 8 string reso I use a G6, fifth on top, because of the natural limitations of the resonator.

Hope this helps.

Ron

------------------
Stringmaster T8, National Tricone, MSA U12

C Dixon · From: Duluth, GA USA

Probably NO tuning ever conceived (with the 5th on top) than some form of an A tuning.

The three most popular tunings (5th on top) are:

E
C#
A
E
A
E

E
C#
A
E
C#
A

E
C#
A
F#
E
C#
A
F#

While there are a number of tunings which have used the 5th on top such as C6, NO tuning was ever more popular (with the 5th on top) than the three above.

In fact most of us who go way back used this tuning either while learning; or as one of our main tunings once we got up to speed.

My theory as to why this is; when the Hawaiian guitar was invented; AND because of the fact it was derived from the spanish guitar; and its intrinsic tuning;, it was only natural that A be the tuning first tried; since a major chord with the 5th on top is sooooooo useful with a straight bar as opposed to the ease of playing fretted instruments.

While other tunings were offshoots such as A6, C# minor, E13th and B11th, it was not until JB invented C6 that another tuning came into being that rivaled the standard A tuning.

Even our standard E9th tuning on PSG's is pulled into A6th with A and B depressed. So what started out as a Hawaiian guitar with an A based tuning seems to be forever; from what I can visulize.

May Jesus rest Joseph Kekuko's soul.

carl

John Bushouse · Posted 17 Dec 2003 10:10 am

Thanks!

Now if I can just decide how high I want that first string (C6, A6, or G6 tuning)...

Jay Fagerlie · From: Lotus, California, USA

John,
Where is "The Valley of Heart's Delight"

Jay

John Bushouse · Posted 17 Dec 2003 1:45 pm

It's what this valley used to be known as, before all the computers, software and other "silicon" related industries.

(San Jose, in Silicon Valley. I prefer the old nickname, even though it's from way before I lived here)

Jay Fagerlie · From: Lotus, California, USA

Thanks John.

I was just wondering....we have a few "Valleys" around here... 'Pleasant', 'Todd' and 'Garden'
near Sacramento, Ca.

I thought maybe you coulda' been a neighbor! I'm always on the lookout for fellow steelers in the area

Jay

J D Sauser · From: Wellington, Florida

A6th with an E (5th) on top.
B11th which again is an A6th with an E (5th) on top with a underlining II9th chord which fits in well to do what you are probably looking for (Hank Thompson type I6th to I7/9th two-fret drop lick).

... J-D.

Ernest Cawby · From: Lake City, Florida, USA, R.I.P.

We use to use Am7 with a banjo string on top, anyone ever try that tunning>
In 49 I had A d nATIONAL WITH the tapered ends, but that was 53 yrs ago, and did not realise what I had then, and a Fender 6 string, that looked like plywood, and a Ohua
6 string.

ernie

[This message was edited by Ernest Cawby on 26 December 2003 at 06:32 PM.]

Jeff Au Hoy · From: Honolulu, Hawai'i

Bill Creller · From: Saginaw, Michigan, USA (deceased)

Bobby Ingano seems to like the C6 with the G string on top. I use an A6 on one neck to get that combination with out using that little string on top. I think some guitars sound tinny on the top string with a high G. Bobby always uses a frypan on jobs, and it sounds fine on those guitars.
BILL

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