The Steel Guitar Forum

is anyone familar with this video? does he use a 6 or 8 string lap & what's his tuning?

I just got the DVD, so I haven't had a chance to study it, but I did jump through it to find the good parts. He uses and 8 string in E major tuning (BEBEG#BC#E from low to high). He shows some of his technique like using the wah wah and how he constantly rolls the tone knob and volume knob while playing. He shows how he plays several songs and the camera is positioned directly above so you can easily see exactly where his bar is. I didn't see a real explanation of the logic of the E tuning nor anything very advanced, but I thought it was worth it just to get a close up look at his technique and how he is playing. I got my copy on ebay for $19, so I'm happy, but I might not have been if I paid the full retail of something like $39.

I think it is a very worthwhile video to own if you are interested in learning the Sacred Steel style of playing.

If you are familiar with open D or E you should be able to adjust to this tuning easily. If I have an 8 string I use his tuning exclusively for rock and blues- pretty much all I ever play. It is an extremely easy tuning to improvise in, and provides a lot of flexibility with minor keys and such by making small tuning changes.

thanks guys!

One thing to consider with this tuning is that it was designed to play the bass parts in addition to 'framming' (rhythm playing) and lead parts. Darrick could play anything on that video on any tuning. He is amazing.

One thing more: you could consider that an e6th tuning.