Dobro 8 String Tuning

Bruce Hamilton · From: Vancouver BC Canada

I just became the owner of a Dobro 8 string in fabulous condition and although I have played pedal steel for years I have never played nor owned a Dobro. What would be a common tuning for this guitar if any? On the gibson site it does not show this model. I assume it is a custom guitar. The guitar is sunburst with white binding on the edges. Could anyone give me an idea of the market value also. Thanks

nick allen · From: France

Probably the most common tuning would be EGBDEGBD low to high (as used by Mike Auldridge on the "8 String Swing" album).
I believe Mr A also uses ACEGACEG low to high, and also a variation with the highest strings being CED (first string tuned between the second and third).
If it was me, I'd tune it low to high GBDEGBDG...
Nick

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

I have an 8 string dobro and I tune it to an A6th tuning ala Herby Remington.
E C# A F# E C# A E (hi to lo)
Erv

Jerry Hayes · From: Virginia Beach, Va.

I tune my 6 string Dobro B D E G B D low to high which more or less constitutes a G6th tuning. I used to have a ShoBro 7 string which was the same tuning but had the low G string. I think on an 8 string I'd add the high G string. Have a good 'un, JH

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

Ron Randall · From: Dallas, Texas, USA

Hello Bruce

I tune mine G6th because my 6 string is high bass G. (GBDGBD) Cuts down on the cornfusion for me.

I like EGBDEGBD (lo to hi)

Listen to Gary Morse "Reso Rodeo". An album of G6 reso.

Ron

Dirk B · From: Harrisburg, MO, USA

Mine is tuned to a G6 with a flatted third on top:

G B D E G B D Bb

This gives me a "banjo roll" on top, as well as built-in 9th chords. It has really been great for the swing we play.

[This message was edited by Dirk B on 20 April 2004 at 10:15 AM.]

HowardR · From: N.Y.C.-Fire Island-Asheville

In 1990 an 8 String Dobro sold for $600.00 brand new. I have one that I bought in an estate sale and the sales receipt was in the case.

I figure $1200.00 today, depending on condition.

Another tuning is C6/A7...L>H - A C C# E G A C E

[This message was edited by HowardR on 20 April 2004 at 06:33 PM.]

Michael Johnstone · From: Sylmar,Ca. USA

I use G11. The first 6 strings are a regular G dobro tuning,the 7th string is an E and the 8th stringh is a C. The E and C are out of sequence and by pitch should be strings 4 and 6 respectively. I put them where I do to keep the core dobro tuning intact. I can get 6ths and minors with the E string and 4 chords,Sus and Maj7th with the C string. There's also some nice open modal "new age" kind of things going on.I have it on my Stringmaster as well and it sounds real good on there.
-MJ-

Ron Randall · From: Dallas, Texas, USA

Michael,
Sounds interesting. How is the Stringmaster doing?
Ron

Earnest Bovine · From: Los Angeles CA USA

I am a Dobro beginner with no non-pedal experience except for the Jon Wayne band, and this is what I'm using:

D
E
C
A
G
E
C#
A

I may use a B instead of the D on the outside (Joachin M)

John Kavanagh · From: Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada * R.I.P.

I use a high G6 - GBdegbd'e'. The low E might be more useful solo or in a small group, but I like the high e' for melody very much, and bend it up to f for a seventh chord.

[This message was edited by John Kavanagh on 21 April 2004 at 05:33 AM.]

Bruce Hamilton · From: Vancouver BC Canada

Thanks guys for all the replys. I play a lot of C6 on pedal steel so the transition looks like it is going to be relatively easy. The variations posted also look really interesting. By the way what gauges of strings are you using? This guitar presently is strung somewhat haphazardly in this regard.

Ron Randall · From: Dallas, Texas, USA

http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/learning/gauges.html

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