E" tuning blow standard "G" tuning

KENNY KRUPNICK · From: Columbus, Ohio

Anyone tune at "E" below standard "G"?
The tuning would be E G# B E G# B.
What string gauges do you use for this "E" tuning? This is on Dobro.

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

Jeff Strouse · From: Jacksonville, Florida, USA

I thought an E-blow was one of those thingies that sustain out a string

But seriously, if the B is your first string (smallest), and E the lowest one, that would be a rather "deep" or darker sounding tuning... compared with the brighter sound of say, C6th. It would be interesting to hear, although it may sound like you're "in the mud" going a few steps down below G.

KENNY KRUPNICK · From: Columbus, Ohio

Whoops!!!! I missed a letter there. "E" tuning below "G" tuning.I wouldn't think it would be muddy, because the low "E" should be the same as a low "E" on a standard guitar.

Jeff Strouse · From: Jacksonville, Florida, USA

I knew it was a typo...I was just being silly.

You could try lowering your each string on G tuning (hi to low: D-B-G-D-B-G) to make it the B-G#-E-B-G#-E and see how it sounds before restringing to all thicker gagues. I don't know what those gagues would be because I'm not as familiar with acoustic instruments. But I would think it would sound a little muddy if you use the same gagues as you do for G tuning.

E tuning is usually:

E
B
G#
E
B
E (or G#)

You can use the same gagues that are on your guitar now. The B-G#-E (string 2,3&4)
is the same major triad as the top three strings in G. But, now the E that is on top of that triad gives different playing possibilities.

Personally, stringing guitars is one of my least favorite things to do, so I try to use gagues that are more universal...allowing me to retune to other tunings without needing thicker or thinner strings.

Hope this helps...

[This message was edited by Jeff Strouse on 01 June 2004 at 12:33 PM.]

Larry Robbins · From: Fort Edward, New York

[This message was edited by Larry Robbins on 01 June 2004 at 05:48 PM.]

sliding bill · From: UK

I use DADF#AD / EBEG#BE a lot on Dobro -- a great voice for blues or Celtic tunes.
I use standard D'Addirio J42 sets of strings.
If you change tunings a lot make sure your string slots on the nut at clean as any small burrs may cause premature breaks.

Good luck

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Aspiring to mediocrity

Bill Bosler · From: Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, USA

I tune E-B-E-G#-B-E bottom to top on my dobro. The low E is the same pitch as the low E on a guitar. The only strings that are a different pitch than a regular guitar are the 3rd, 4th and 5th strings. Works for me.
Also keeps the fret positions the same as my PSG.

Chuck Fisher · From: Santa Cruz, California, USA * R.I.P.

I do play a bunch of tunings and did a bit of study recently on reso strings, I use D and E a lot but the usual E B E G# B E (lo to hi)

With your idea you will have more heavy guages which can mute the reso cone.

I'd try .052 on the low E to .016 - 017 on the hi B, and like a .020 solid to a .024w on the hi G# .
Then a .030 on the middle E a .042 on the low B and maybe a .046 on the low G#

pardon the conversational style here but I'm thinkin! (danger danger)

That major 3rd intervle down low will be interesting, maybe mushy, maybe some good swamp mud, hell its worth trying although I suspect some nut and bridge work will be needed.

CF

Jerry Hayes · From: Virginia Beach, Va.

I use the G6th on my Dobro which is tuned
B D E G B D low to high. By retuning the 1st string to E and the 3rd string to G# you get an E7th tuning which is great for blues, rock, etc. Plus you can play Steel Guitar Rag and some other instrumentals out of the E tuning easily. have a good 'un..JH

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Livin' in the Past and the Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

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