Need tuning suggestions 8 string D blues

Rich Hlaves · From: Wildomar, California, USA

Hi guys, I need some help. I've been using a regular sixstring open D tuning (D A D F# A D)on my 6 string lap and using it to play some blues (Mississippi Fred McDowell's "You Gotta Move"). My string guages are 18 20 28 36 46 56 and this seems to work pretty well.

I just bought a '56 Fender Stringmaster S8 and want to use a similar tuning in D if possible and use 8 strings. To get though rehersal today, I strung up only 6 strings on the Stringmaster and "got by". Any suggestions for an 8 string Open D tuning and recommended string guages would really be helpful.

BTW, I love the sound of the Stringmaster. It is very warm and rich in tone. I was satisfied with my Studio Deluxe until I played the Stringmaster.

I know this is a strange non-standard tuning I want to use.

Thanks in advance,

Rich

Edward Meisse · From: Santa Rosa, California, USA

How about adding a 20 guage B string between the current 1 and 2 strings. I might also suggest maybe a 14 guage F# as a new first string. On your top 6 strings you will then have a D6. It will be just one whole step down from Don Helms E6. Don's playing was also very bluesy. But it tended towards a modern (for that day) added note chord type of blues. These are also the identical intervals for the 6 string C6 tuning that is so widely used and highly regarded today. I don't think you can go wrong. It's a very versatile configuration.
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Steinar Gregertsen · From: Arendal, Norway, R.I.P.

Here's a couple of suggestions - I used to use this one (in E) for blues/rock on 8-string:

D
B
A
F#
D
C
A
D

This one is used by Pete Grant on 8-string dobro:

E
F#
D
A
F#
D
A
D

Yep, string 2 is higher pitched than string 1..

Steinar
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Chris Johnson · From: USA

Hey Rich,

Here are a few cool sacred steel tunings I use in the key of D

D 6/9

E
D root
B
A
F#
D root
A
D root

D
B
A
F#
E
D
A
D

D7

E
D
C
A
F#
D
A
D

Rich Hlaves · From: Wildomar, California, USA

Well, I tried all of these suggestions. Thanks guys! All of these are great and worked once I figured where the notes where(hehe).I ended up with the D7 tuning that Chris suggested. This one seems more natural to me when playing lead on the top 4 strings. Chording also seems to sound more bluesy. Must be the 7th.

I jotted down all the suggestions, no telling when these may come in handy.

Many thanks,

Rich

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

This is Lonnie Bennett's E7 tuning....or at least the one that was on his 8 string SuperSlide when I received it......low > high

E B E E G# B D E

I love this tuning for blues........

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