Split Tuning... What is it?

[Tim Lane]

Ok, dumb question. I see steel guitars with 'split tuning' on them. What is split tuning and it's advantages? Thanks in advance.

[Jerry Overstreet]

Basically it's a method of accurately tuning the resulting note when activating a raise and a lower at the same time.

F.I., If you raise your 6th string from G# to A on pedal B, then lower the same string on a knee lever a whole tone F# at the same time, you will get a middle note somewhere around to a G, but not close enough to be usable.

The split feature will allow you to tune that note accurately. The split tuning screws found on many guitars is the simplest. It can be accomplished without these, but it takes additional pull trains.

Here's an old thread that might help shed some light on the subject. Further searches on "splits" will net much more discussion. http://bb.steelguitarforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=104579

Some common uses would be like in the first example netting you a 7th chord when used along with the A pedal.

On string 5, where you would tune a raise from B to C# on a pedal along with the common lower B to Bb, a split of those 2 actions would give you a tunable C note, which when used with your common major chord pedals down position would result in a minor chord.

[Greg Cutshaw]

Here's an example of split tuning on E9th where the 5th string is raised a half tone by pressing pedal A fully and the B to Bb knee lever. the same effect can be achieved by merely pressing pedal A partially if you are good at that!


Hear It!



Tab for above in pdf format!


Greg

[Tim Lane]

Thanks for the info gentleman. I really appreciate it!