Tuning for 6 string Melobar

JAMES BANKS · From: Mineola,TX USA

I recently acquired a Melobar 6 string. I already play a 10 string E-9 Pedal Steel. What is best tuning to use on the 6 string?
Thanks
James

D Schubert · From: Columbia, MO, USA

There are so many six-string tunings! You can play any style of music in any tuning, with enough determination. But there are certain tunings that match up better with certain musical styles.

You can go back and forth among these three with minimal retuning...

open E........EBEG#BE
lo-bass A.....EAEAC#E
E6/Cm7........EBEG#C#E

(I use these tunings 2 frets lower for Dobro and tricone, plain and rootsy)

Or these three that are a little more complex...

G6..........BDEGBD...
E7..........BDEG#BE
E13.........BDEG#C#E

(for my National New Yorker)

Another obvious choice is classic C6th...

C6..............CEGACE

[This message was edited by D Schubert on 14 August 2006 at 08:51 AM.]

Stephan Miller · From: Silver Spring, Maryland, USA

James, C6 is never a bad place to start, it's real versatile and there's a ton of tab for it. Here's another set of tunings that can all be played with the same string gauges...(low to high):

C-E-G-A-C-E = C6
C#-E-G-A-C-E = C6/A7
C#-E-F#-A-C#-E= A6
D-E-G#-B-C#-E =E13

With a little re-tuning, try each one to find out if you prefer the 3rd, the 5th, or the root on the first string.

JAMES BANKS · From: Mineola,TX USA

Thanks D and Stephen. I think I will start with a C6 and go from there. I would like to learn C6 anyway so I can eventually go to a U 12 or Dbl 10 for my pedal steel. Your input is greatly appreciated.
James

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