E9 2nd string - Eb, D or C#?

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

I would like o hear your thoughts from players that tune their E9 second string to anything other than E flat, which is what I've been using since I started. I recently started playing a universal 12 string that has the Eb to C# change on string 2. It's on the E to Eb knee lever which makes it 3 pulls and a little stiff. I really like the C# in there especially in the B6 mode. I suppose I could dedicate one of the six levers or even a pedal to lowering it.

Thanks, Dave

Jerry Hayes · From: Virginia Beach, Va.

I tune mine to C# as does Mike Perlowin, Hal Rugg, Weldon Myrick, and some others. I really like it and wouldn't change it for anything. My old ShoBud used to have the D# to C# change on the RKR which lowered the E's a half like yours and I liked that too but I use the C# note a lot in the E9th vein for some B pedal and 2nd string unison licks which I like. I bring it back to D# on the LKL and to D on LKR along with other changes on those levers. I've heard it mentioned about scale things being better if you use a D# but I don't see any problem with scales using the C#....JH

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Livin' in the Past and Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

Thanks Jerry.

Can you email your Mooney tuning again? I'm thinking of doing something closer to an extended E9 as opposed to the Newman E9/B6. I think the Newman setup is good but It doesn't accommodate my playing/picking style.

Thanks, Dave

Jerry Hayes · From: Virginia Beach, Va.

Dave, it's on the way....JH

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Livin' in the Past and Future with a 12 string Mooney Universal tuning.

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

I tune my 2nd string to an E.. and drop it to Eb and D on my LKR. Most guys would look at that and think it useless,but I use it constantly,and would be lost trying to do anything else with it.

Its the way I learned many years ago and by the time I realized it was not really "correct",I could not do without it! bob

Bobby Lee · From: Cloverdale, California, USA

Dave Zirbel · From: Sebastopol, CA USA

I'm actually considering using a C# in there. When I play the Kline with that change, I find I use the C# in my playing more than the Eb and D. I guess it's a toss up between C# and Eb. I rarely use the D change and none of the bands I play with play "Buckeroo."

DZ

[This message was edited by Dave Zirbel on 13 January 2005 at 12:00 PM.]

Robert Parent · From: Gillette, WY

For the past 25 years or so I have tuned my 2nd string to C#. I have a knee lever with a half-stop to get the D and Eb notes.

David L. Donald · From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand

I tuned mine to C# for most of the last year, but am experimenting with the D# again.

Dennis Detweiler · From: Solon, Iowa, US

I tune to C# and raise it D (half stop) and D# with a knee. I play a U-12, but found the C# more useful for E9th and the knee raise more pleasing.
DD

Ricky Davis · From: Bertram, Texas USA

I use all 4 notes>C#/D/D#/E; all the time, probably equal between them all. So doesn't really matter to me what the string is tuned to open; it's gunna move one way or the other, so what ever you can get used to>go for it.
Ricky

Ron Sodos · From: San Antonio, Texas USA

After using the standard D# with the double stop lower to D/C# for 25 years I changed my tuning to Jimmy Crawfords D with a raise to D# and lower to C# on different knees. Well I love it and I am staying with it. It opens up some incredible sounds and is in my opinion a smarter way to tune. Check out Terry Bethel's CD "If We Could" and take a listen. It will knock your socks off..................

[This message was edited by Ron Sodos on 14 January 2005 at 01:22 PM.]

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