Dobro tunings on a lap steel guitar

Gale Huey · Post by **Gale Huey** » 18 Nov 2012 7:32 am

Question for B0b or anyone who would like to chime in.

I have an 8 string lap steel and don't play it because I'd rather learn Dobro and don't have one, yet.

Can the 22 1/2 scale lap steel be tuned to open G or D to learn Dobro scales and chords? Or, is it not practicable.

Open for directions & suggestions.

Thanks for your time and help,

G Huey
Mullen SD-10’s, 4 &5
Peavey NV 400 & 112

Rick Barnhart · Post by **Rick Barnhart** » 18 Nov 2012 7:43 am

With the correct guage strings, you can tune your steel anyway you like. I sometimes tune my 6 string lap steel to the standard GBDGBD dobro tuning.

Gale Huey · Post by **Gale Huey** » 18 Nov 2012 4:29 pm

Thanks Rick, I have a new set of strings on the way from B0b. I'll give it a try.

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 19 Nov 2012 10:07 am

I use open G tuning on both electric and acoustic lap steel guitars.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 19 Nov 2012 11:14 am

I have a S-10 pedal steel set up in open G tuning, with a few extras. Fun for Blues.

Gale Huey · Post by **Gale Huey** » 21 Nov 2012 5:14 am

Thanks Brad and John, going to tune up a new set of strings today.

Gale

Post by **Brad Bechtel** » 21 Nov 2012 8:19 am

If you're using a standard lap steel with a guitar type pickup, be sure to use nickel wound strings rather than phosphor bronze strings. PB strings won't pick up the same way - you'll hear the unwound strings much louder than the wound strings.

Olli Haavisto · Post by **Olli Haavisto** » 21 Nov 2012 9:04 am

I use Martin`s Bluegrass dobro set on my lap steels. They`re nickel strings, even thought they`re called bluegrass dobro strings.
Good strings, cheap.
http://elderly.com/brand/STGR_martin.html

Gale Huey · Post by **Gale Huey** » 23 Nov 2012 5:43 am

Thanks for the tip Olli, much appreciated.

Gale