Favourite tuning?

[pete1951]

For me G is the easyer shape to play blues in. The major note is the 2nd string,so you can mess about with the bottom 4 without playing a major 3rd. In D the major 3rd is the3rd string, so there are some things where it sounds not bluesy enough. But as D is the main note of the chord so Vestapol can be better for `tunes` ,Blind Willie Johnson,etc
PT

[Michael Messer]

I had forgotten about John Fahey's open C tunes, I must have a listen to some of his records again.

I use the four string version CGCE on my cigar-box/tenor guitar. It was Mark Makin, many years ago, who opened my ears to that tuning playing Taj Mahal's version of Colored Aristocracy.

The E on the top is a bit weird for slide at first, but once you get into it, it is great for slide.


Shine On
Michael

[Jaco]

For me, Vestapol Open D, Spanish Open G, Open C (variation) C#, now with baritone neck Bb in Vestapol Open D shape. Baritone C to C standard. Still experimenting with the bari.

Michael summed it up beautifully: "It is not the tuning, it is the musician that makes the music."
To me, that is a profound, and a long to be remembered statement. Thanks Michael!
Best,
Jaco

[thebluesbear( al)]

Hi all

I am into G6th , a lot also i find it useful when i have to sing as well .....i use numerous other as well but seem to like this one a lot .

al

[Bottleneck John]

Open C (vestapol) & open F (spanish) is what I tune my reso's to on stage. Mainly because of the lower growl...
For recording I like any tuning really.
It depends on which strings are on the instrument. I'd never tune a vintage guitar to an open E with 0.15-0.59 on! ;D

[oldpicker]

Bottleneck John - what strings do you use for those tunings? When I've tried F Spanish the strings seem too slack.

[gaucho]

I'm confused (and not too bright). When you say Open F Spanish, are you referring to playing Spanish tuning in the key of f (CFCFAC) or is there a whole separate tuning called Open F? I tune all my guitars to Spanish key of F (parlors) or ever lower to Key of E (BEBEG#B) if they will take it. The Parlors were giving wolf tones down that low so I replaced the 2 treble strings in a 13-56 set with a 15 and a 17. That cured it (in key of F) for the parlors. My resos play well in key of E with 15-59.s.

[slide496]

Hi Gaucho-
Glad to hear you cured the wolf tone!

There's probably two E's then.I play in open E and the tuning I use is vestapol tuned up a step, its what Fred McDowell often plays in or he will capo up one to F - referencing I Do Not Play No Rock and Roll for that.

For E (tuning up) on my vintage sears catalogue parlors I use light/extra light never medium or heavy.

Peace,
Harriet

[Bottleneck John]

Jan 22, 2013 15:51:34 GMT oldpicker said:

Bottleneck John - what strings do you use for those tunings? When I've tried F Spanish the strings seem too slack.

I use nickel .15 - .58 or .59. Works super for me! Never feels to slack. Maybe I have slightly higher action than you?
On my Resolian I have a 0.62 on the low end.. ;D

[Bottleneck John]

Jan 22, 2013 16:01:13 GMT gaucho said:

I'm confused (and not too bright). When you say Open F Spanish, are you referring to playing Spanish tuning in the key of f (CFCFAC)

That's it!

[oldpicker]

Bottleneck John - thanks for the info. I've got .013-.056 strings so I think I need at the very least to change the top two and possibly the whole set. I'm going to try .016-.059 Newtones.

[Deleted]

Hi All
Slide496 for a C tuning i use CGCGCG, i'm working with an Indian artist at the moment and this tuning has worked out very handy..

And Also
Does anyone have any idea what pickup Rainer Ptacek used on his National??

David