Tuning the E9 2nd string lower to D

Scott Swartz · Post by **Scott Swartz** » 25 Nov 2002 2:48 pm

I am using the Newman E9 chart and like it except for one place.

With pedals down the D is noticeably out against the A note (3rd string with B pedal).

If I change the D to make the above interval sound good, then the string 1 and 2 interval sounds out.

I guess the answer is a compensator?

Or split the difference and live with it?

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 25 Nov 2002 4:03 pm

I just looked at JN's tuning chart. According to the chart, the D note lower on the 2nd string is tuned flat relative to the 3rd string B note. HOWEVER, the 9th string D note is tuned slightly sharp to the 3rd string B. If you tune both the 2nd string D note and the 9th string equal to the 3rd string B note, then you wouldn't have the problem you stated. [This message was edited by Jeff Lampert on 25 November 2002 at 04:07 PM.]

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 25 Nov 2002 6:04 pm

I tune both D's to +10 cents. Pretty far sharp, but it sounds good to me.

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<img align=right src="http://b0b.com/b0b.gif" width="64" height="64">Bobby Lee - email: quasar@b0b.com - gigs - CDs
Sierra Session 12 (E9), Williams 400X (Emaj9, D6), Sierra Olympic 12 (F Diatonic), Sierra Laptop 8 (D13), Fender Stringmaster (E13, A6), Roland Handsonic

Scott Swartz · Post by **Scott Swartz** » 26 Nov 2002 7:41 am

Making the D sharper so as to be in tune with the A sounds better to me also, per the chart the D is flat sounding in single note runs.

What Jeff said makes sense, use the hertz for the 9th string D.

rhcarden · Post by **rhcarden** » 27 Nov 2002 8:30 am

Why not tune it with the piano or the rest of the band, ET!

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Bob Carden 66 Emmons P/P 8/9
BMI 13 string 7/7

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 27 Nov 2002 8:45 am

Why not tune it with the piano or the rest of the band, ET!

.. because no steel guitar operates perfectly in tune. The width of your intervals will vary from minute to minute, and it is important to keep them in a range that sounds good. If your guitar errs on the just side of ET, you are safe. On the unjust side, it sounds nasty.

rhcarden · Post by **rhcarden** » 5 Dec 2002 12:14 pm

Just the way I here it!

If you are playing alone or with just a bass and drums, JT works. But, if you are playing with a band, you need to be in tune with the other members.

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Bob Carden 66 Emmons P/P 8/9
BMI 13 string 7/7