Maybe my new favorite lap steel tuning?

[Greg Vincent]

Any of you folks using GBDF#AC?

(This is more of a lap steel tuning, but I had to do this demo on Dobro cuz that’s all I have at the moment.)

https://youtu.be/kmpBCTU0um8?si=qDGYpDssmO2WbZxd

[scott murray]

very cool stuff.

I play 8-string dobro tuned G6 with a low E and while I can get a lot more chordal options than standard G on 6 strings, I still struggle with finding bigger chords on the dobro.

your tuning certainly opens up many possibilities but I don't think I could ever get used to it! this is why I love C6 psg, all those great chords are just built in

[Stanislav Paskalev]

There is a big thread in the Steel without pedals section called Cma11 about this tuning - check it out. The Cma11 variant is a fourth higher with the same intervals.

[Greg Vincent]

That’s a terrific thread, Stanislav —thanks for the tip!

Thank you, Scott. I’m jealous of your 8-string Dobro!

[Greg Vincent]

I AM finding that it’s a bit of a drawback having no major-third interval among the top three strings.

[Stanislav Paskalev]

A major third on the top is workable, either with a forward slant or with a behind-the-bar bend. I use a bullet bar and by doing a forward slant with a double stop with the tip I get an entire major chord on the top three strings - e.g. playing xxx122 will be a major chord in root position. If you continue the slant and don't do a double stop (xxx123) it becomes an augmented chord because of the raised fifth.

My only real nit with this tuning is the lack of major second interval which makes playing fuller suspended chords tricky. E.g. there's one backwards slant on the inner four strings that spans 4 frets - I can't play that well enough.

When I get my 8-string lap steel I plan on keeping the CEG-BDF strings and adding an A string between them. This will allow me to play sus2 and sus4 chords in root position with a straight bar - although it will require some string skipping.

[scott murray]

Thank you, Scott. I’m jealous of your 8-string Dobro!

good one available right now, I believe he's taking offers!
https://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=405621

[Greg Vincent]

That sure is a beauty, Scott!

[Greg Vincent]

I really need to work on slants & behind-the-bar bends, Stanislav. I played pedal steel for decades, got spoiled, and neglected those techniques.

[Stanislav Paskalev]

Greg, if you're set on having a straight bar major chord on the top three strings that's easy as well - just de-tune the third string a semitone bellow. This will put you in what's also called as B11 tuning. You will then have a major chord on the top three strings as well as the bottom three strings, separated by a minor seventh (or shifted by two frets, its easier for me to visualize it this way).

Strings 1-4 become a a minor sixth chord, strings 3-6 - a dominant seventh, with some nice core of three diminished tones in the middle. The slants and double stops are still there but it should feel more familiar.

Cheers!

[John McClung]

Congrats on retirement, Greg! Only you didn't relocate quite far enough; a bit further would have made a new home in almost-blissful PNW. I'm in Olympia, WA now.

[Greg Vincent]

That’s a pretty cool alternative, Stanislav. Love the dominant 9 chord on 2-6!

John (Mr. Twang) McClung! Great to hear from you. So glad you are enjoying the Pacific Northwest —such a beautiful region. I sometimes miss Los Angeles, but I’m truly enjoying the less-hectic life up here in the Gold Country.