Six String Tuning

Brian Henry · Posted 6 Jun 2011 11:29 am

Would this tuning work:

from lower to higher

b c# g# b e g#

Could I get minors ect from using that low c#

Thank you
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Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

Your minor chord would be the fifth, fourth, second and first strings (C# G# e g#). So yes, you could get minor chords with this tuning. Whether that will "work" for you depends on what you want to achieve.
Is there some reason you don't want to use C6th tuning?
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Terence Palmer · From: Maine, USA

To me, the fact that the major chord has the root only on the second string would be awkward. At a quick glance, the only full chords you easily (ie. straight bar, no slants) have access to are major, minor, and minor 7th. And that fifth interval seems odd, especially since the only strings spaced a second apart are below it. It seems like it would be difficult to use that in any sort of scale playing. I personally wouldn't see the advantage over a tuning like C6 or Leavitt.

Brian Henry · Posted 6 Jun 2011 2:54 pm

Currently I have my lap steel tuned to

b e g# b e g# basically e9th and I can play some scales and songs easily. I know I need a c# somewhere but am not sure of the best place.
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Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

Personally I would consider using this variation of the tuning:

1. G#
2. E
3. C#
4. B
5. G#
6. E

That's assuming you want the high string to be a G#. A more common version of this tuning would be as follows:

1. E
2. C#
3. G#
4. E
5. B
6. E

It's basically the same as open E tuning with the second string raised from B to C#.
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Hugh Holstein · From: Rohnert Park, California, USA

Im a sixshooter as of right now as well, when I first started, I got the "Complete Steel Guitar Method" by Mel Bay, and it basically steered me to an open "E" tuning as well, I wish I would have joined this forum then as I am kinda stuck on this tuning now and I really need to break out into other alternatives.

I'll have my D8 finished soon as well as another "Special Project" 8 string which I am anxious to share with everyone here.

I will try the C# on the second string Brad, but what I would like to know is what would be the most recommended tuning for a six string?

Im still wet behind the ears on a steel, but I cant help to feel as if I have limited myself by starting out with this tuning, it just seems to mimic a standard slide guitar tuning, but then again, I was really horrible at that before I started messing around with my Deluxe 6, so I shouldn't be so hard on myself.

Larry Allen · From: Kapaa, Kauai,Hawaii

Here's an easy 6 string tuning that gives you your minors and lots more....low to high..GDEGBD........Larry

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

Don't worry about it. I started with open E tuning as well.

As a matter of fact, last Sunday I played a bunch of old rock tunes with some friends and used open E tuning. It worked really well. I also find it's a very good tuning for solo playing.

The most common tunings for lap steel are open G (especially for resonator guitars), C6th, and open D/E (some prefer open D, some prefer open E - it's the same tuning but one whole step lower or higher).

For electric lap steel, I'd suggest trying C6th tuning:

1. E
2. C
3. A
4. G
5. E
6. C

You'll need a special set of C6th strings such as the ones sold here.
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A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Hugh Holstein · From: Rohnert Park, California, USA

Thanks Larry, I may give that a whirl.

Thanks Brad, Open E is a really fun one for blues/rock solo work (I'm sure my neighbors know as well. lol)
It has that real tight pocket.
Im never going to abandon it, but I'll get into the other tunings when I get my 8 strings finished.

The weather here really put a hold on it.

Sorry for kinda hijacking this thread TB, and for probably asking the most used and abused question of all time on this forum.

yesterday I went online and saw some video examples, most were informative and very inspirational.

And a few made me feel REALLY good about my playing! Laughing

Thanks.

Brian Henry · Posted 9 Jun 2011 2:18 am

Thank you Brad and Larry. I have just ordered 2 sets of six string sets from b0b - I am also ready to jumP in. IT WILL BE A CHANGE FROM E9TH PEDAL.
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Brian Henry · Posted 17 Jun 2011 5:26 pm

Ok Brad I got the strings from b0b and am all tuned up. This is a real neat tuning - I wish I had tried it years ago. I c an pick out bits and pieces of tune. Where can I get a good harmony scale for 6 string c 6th?
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Hal Braun · From: Eustis, Florida, USA

Check this out...

http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/scalelocator/basic.php

put in your tuning.. tell it what kind of scale you want (minor pent, major, chromatic etc.) and bam.. spits out a tab for it.. there is also this page for chords:

http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/chordlocator/generic.php

Props to John Ely for developing this...

Bob Russell · From: Virginia, USA

Brian Henry · Posted 25 Jun 2011 5:21 pm

Brad, This makes a lot of sense to me. What gauges would be best to use?

1. G#
2. E
3. C#
4. B
5. G#
6. E
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