Mechanics of tuning to Leavitt / string gauges

[Judson Bertoch]

Hey Bill, Mike, Roy:

Sometimes I get confused when trying to understand the up or down to get certain tunings and Leavitt is one of those:

Would you please help me with this? Comparing regular guitar tuning to six string Leavitt:

Regular Git Leavitt Tune String Gauge
e d down/loosen 1 step ?
B c up/tighten 1.5 steps ?
G a#/b& up/tighten 1.5 steps ?
D g ????? ?
A e ????? ?
E c# loosen/down 1.5 steps(?) ?

Couldn't find on a site search - nor Google, so I've got to go to the sources.

I know of the Joe Ely chart for gauges, but I'd rather hear from guys who actually play the tuning.

Thank you so much! JB

[Roy Thomson]

Judson,

You have the first three right.
String 4 (G) is the same as your third string
on standard guitar

String 5..tune to the fourth string on standard guitar fretted at the second fret.

String 6..fret the fifth string of standard
guitar at the fourth fret..tune to it.

I use something like this:

D---015
C---017
Bb--022
G---027
E---030
C#--036

Hope this helps.

[Brad Bechtel]

Here's a comparison that might also help (in addition to Roy's description:

1. E tunes down to D
2. B tunes up to C
3. G tunes up to Bb
4. D tunes up to G
5. A tunes up to E
6. E tunes up to C#

If you tried to tune up using a set of regular electric guitar strings, you'd probably hurt yourself. You should use lighter strings, a set of strings such as Roy suggested.

[AJ Azure]

*putting on safety goggles* hehe

[Judson Bertoch]

Thanks guys (extra thanks Brad)!

1) Sorry for the screwed up post. Couldn't tab and obviously using the space bar doesn't work. Guess consecutive periods would have been the ticket.

2) GET OUT! 3 and 4 + steps of tightening! Yikes - I didn't know that type tension could be done without mass explosions of wood and strings.

3) AJ: not goggles: Welders mask and chest protector!

4) I guess this tuning can double as a crossbow...

[Blake Wilson]

This set works just fine for (obviously) C6th as well as Leavitt:

http://www.juststrings.com/sit-sc-c6th-6.html

and the price is right and delivery is fast.

Regards,

Blake