A new 8 string tuning?

Dom Franco · From: Beaverton, OR, 97007

I perform several times a week, and I have over a hundred songs worked out in A6th tuning.

(Lo to Hi) C# E F# A C# E

I recently purchased an 8 string lap steel, and I have been experimenting with the two "extra" strings.

I wanted to keep the 6 strings the same, so I could still play all of my arrangements right away
Without having to re-learn them. So I tried adding two lower notes, with fatter strings, but that didn't seem to give me a lot of new options, just fuller chords. Then I tried a higher string, but I couldn't get used to the thinner sound on top.

I finally decided to do something crazy! What if I used middle sized strings and tuned them in between some of my other notes? I could alternate picking string combinations and get several more chords, and even chromatic runs like on a pedal steel E9 tuning.

Well here's the bottom line. I came up with this modified/extended A6/9/maj7 tuning and I just love it!

(Lo to Hi) C# E F# * A * C# E G# B The G# and B are in the same octave as the "A" string.

Here are some benefits:
I Maj7 on strings 5,4,3,2
V on strings 3,2,1
V sus4 5,3,1
III Minor 4,3,2
Chromatic run 2,5,1,4
Along with the standard benefits of the 6th tuning (major, minor, etc) I haven't even started slanting yet!.

Sincerely Mr. Green

Dom Franco

Fred Bova · From: Connecticut, USA

Dom, I have been playing around with this and realy like it.
(Lo to Hi) C# D E F# A C# E G#

Sort of an "extended A6th"

The added high G# on top gives you an alt to avoid those large position jumps, and the D between the Low C# and E adds a lot of options also.

Fred

Dom Franco · From: Beaverton, OR, 97007

I have often raised my low C# to a D and I like that option. is your 7 string and 8 string just a half step apart? or in another octave?

Dom

Fred Bova · From: Connecticut, USA

"I have often raised my low C# to a D and I like that option. is your 7 string and 8 string just a half step apart? or in another octave?"

1/2 step apart, same octave

Dom Franco · From: Beaverton, OR, 97007

I guess you just have to be careful not to pick both at the same time? They would clash...

Thanks
Dom

Fred Bova · From: Connecticut, USA

Yes, they are Bass strings, and it is very easy to play 7-1 or play 8, skip 7, and play 6-.

John Bechtel · From: Nashville, Tennessee, R.I.P.

Dom; Eddie Alkire taught his students who only had 8-str. guitars with this much of his 10-str. EHArp~Tuning, which is what you are actually pretty close to: C#~E~G~G#~A~B~C#~E. You might also try C#~E~F#~G#~A~B~C#~E or E~F#~G~G#~A~B~C#~E. Actually, I recently tried going back to the 10-string EHArp~Tuning of the early 50's: C#~E~F~F#~G~G#~A~B~C#~E, but; almost immediately scrapped the idea in favor of the C-Diatonic: C~E~F~G~A~B~C~E Here you also have the I - IV - V Chord effect:
I = E~G~C +6th (A)
IV = F~A~C +Maj.7 (E)
V = F~G~B +13th (E)
Plus so much more!
_________________
<marquee> Go~Daddy~Go, (No), Go, It's your Break Time</marquee> L8R, jb
My T-10 Remington Steelmaster

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