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Dobro Tunings

Posted: 6 Nov 2000 2:44 pm
by Jim West
I just picked up a Dobro the other day and was wondering what tunings are used on one. It is now tuned to an open "G". Is there any others tunings that are used or preferred? I already play PSG so I am well familiar with playing a steel type of instrument I am just searching for the best tuning to use.

Thanks Image

Posted: 6 Nov 2000 5:13 pm
by Murray Cullen
G, or A, or E (like Shot).

Posted: 6 Nov 2000 5:56 pm
by Bill Leff
The standard Dobro tuning is GBDGBD low to high. For a "low bass" version, try DGDGBD.

I recently put a set of C6 lap steel strings on mine and am having a blast playing Hawaiian on it in C6 (CEGACE).

-Bill

Posted: 6 Nov 2000 7:42 pm
by Chris Bauer
For versatility, I'm still fond of E B E G# B E (low to high)or G# B E G# B E. I think I played slide guitar in open E for so long that I just don't know how to get around without that E on top....

Posted: 7 Nov 2000 11:55 am
by Brad Bechtel
It depends on the style of music you play and what notes you want to have available.
I have a list of tunings on my web site.

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Brad's Page of Steel:
www.well.com/~wellvis/steel.html
A web site devoted to acoustic & electric lap steel guitars

Posted: 7 Nov 2000 7:07 pm
by Jerry Hayes
I always liked the open E tuning for Dobro but have given it up in favor of the G tuning full time. Just about anything you'd hear on the radio that you'd like to play most likely is played out of the G tuning. I use it all the time now no matter what kind of music I'm playing on Dobro. I'd like to have another one with another tuning but if you only have one Dobro use G!!!!!!

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Have a good 'un! JH U-12