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Topic: 8 string tuning & gauges |
Dale R Stiles
From:
Bradenton, FL
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Posted 27 Sep 2012 5:49 pm |
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Hi
At this point, I've managed to over think the heck out of this --- so I figured I'd ask those smarter than me.
I've played guitar for a lot of years and some bottleneck slide. Just bought a 1965 Fender Deluxe 8 and tryin' to figure the best tuning and gauges to start out with.
I play bottleneck in open D, play mostly blues/roots/bluegrass, sing mostly in G and have been leaning towards E13 or Em7 for my first lap steel tuning.
Any help setting me on the right path would be greatly appreciated. |
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G Strout
From:
Carabelle, Florida
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Posted 27 Sep 2012 6:20 pm
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Dale, I always recommend that beginners start with the C6 tuning. It may take awhile to wrap your head around it coming from guitar, but it is extremely versatile. There is also a HUGE amount of instructional material and tab available for for both high and low C6 tuning.
E13 would be my second choice.
Gary |
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Dale R Stiles
From:
Bradenton, FL
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Posted 28 Sep 2012 5:19 am
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Thanks for your input, Gary.
This site seems like folks are always willing to lend a helping hand.
I've seen a lot of discussions here about High vs Low C6 so I'm not Gina go there  But is the main merit of C6 over E13 on an 8 string the abundance of learning material (big plus)?
My experience with vestapol tunings is that tone gotten from a certain key is a personal thing, so Open E vs Open D discussion is about like ketchup vs mustard on a bologna sandwich. What I do know is that chord groupings and note pairings pop out for me better on Open D for string. Wondered if maybe it's much the same for certain 8 string lap steel tunings.
Dale |
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Stephen Cowell
From:
Round Rock, Texas, USA
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Posted 28 Sep 2012 8:11 am
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| Quote: |
| My experience with vestapol tunings is that tone gotten from a certain key is a personal thing, so Open E vs Open D discussion is about like ketchup vs mustard on a bologna sandwich. What I do know is that chord groupings and note pairings pop out for me better on Open D for string. Wondered if maybe it's much the same for certain 8 string lap steel tunings. |
Open E/D are the same intervals, just different pitches. Don't get hung up on that, it's the relative pitches, not the absolute pitches, that matter.
C6 is where you start... E13 is one place to end up.
E13 is harder... C6 is symmetrical, E13 not... C6 is the same across the neck (normally). In E13 different string groups have different purposes... in one place you have the normal 6th chord... this is one reason to start with a 6th tuning, it's where we normally feel at 'home' doing a melody. The magic of the 6th tuning is that a maj6 and min7 chord coexist side-by-side... harmonized melody gets to be real easy. Any departure from this requires trade-offs that limit aspects of this magic, depending.
Plenty of variations on both of these tunings. Most folks end up with a 6 neck and a 13 neck. Most tunings are made up from pieces of 6 with other stuff added (7, 9, etc). The 6th tuning makes it easier to go for a minor7 chord (go down a string and up three frets). When the strings aren't symmetrical you can't do that.
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Mike Neer
From:
NJ
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Posted 28 Sep 2012 8:22 am
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Let me ask, for better clarity, what you're hoping to sound like? Do you have any players in mind that you'd like to emulate somewhat? What kind of music are you looking to play?
I would say C6 is a great place to start--save your E13 for your next steel, which will be a doubleneck. However, I wait for a response from you.
C6 is easily converted into more complex tunings, such as C13 or C6/A7, and is extremely versatile. I understand having some common ground with guitar positions is always a consideration for newer players, as I was one myself and that kept me away from C6 for a few years.
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Links to streaming music, websites, YouTube: Links |
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