Tuning question?

Bruno Rasmussen · From: Svendborg, Denmark

This is the tuning I use right now.

E
C
A
G
E
C#
C
Bb

While A on 8. str. seems to be the normal, Bb (one half raise) gives a perfect diminished chord, one more dom.7 and other nice things, - without slants. The question is; am I loosing more than I’m gaining by raising A to Bb?
My experience with lap steel is no more than 6 month; so any advice will be of great help.

Thanks
Bruno

(edited for rephrasing the question)

[This message was edited by Bruno Rasmussen on 01 May 2004 at 12:57 PM.]

[This message was edited by Bruno Rasmussen on 02 May 2004 at 03:14 AM.]

George Keoki Lake · From: Edmonton, AB., Canada

I know of very few tunings which could be classified as lousy. The tuning you have selected is fine. However, I am bothered when you state "no slants"....for therein lies the beauty of the (lap) Hawaiian steel guitar. Slants are beautiful, you only have to listen to Jerry's music to confirm that.

Bruno Rasmussen · From: Svendborg, Denmark

George, thank you for your reply. What I’m looking for is a versatile tuning for my approach. I’m not trying to avoid slants. I think slants are part of the fun on lap steel, though backward slants don’t feel very natural to me yet. I do wish I were able to listen to Jerry Byrd much more, but I only have a few tracks, which I have downloaded.

Thanks
Bruno

Wayne Cox · From: Chatham, Louisiana, USA * R.I.P.

I am not an expert on "Hawaiian" style playing,but I do play other styles on "non-pedal" steels, soooo...speaking from that perspective...If the half-step interval from C to C# on strings 6 & 7 isn't awkward for you,then you have a good foundation for playing a good variety of chords without a lot of slants. I also like the Bb on string 8,which gives a C7 and a nice sharp13th sound,as well. I also notice you have all 3 of the primary major chord inversions. All in all,this could be a very versatile tuning. However, there are those who would feel a little clumsy with the C C# Bb grouping on the bottom strings. Bottom line...if it feels good to you,do it!
~~W.C.~~

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