Hi, I've just finished building a 4 string CBG, I already have a 3 string tuned to open G. I want to use an open tuning for the 4 string but with the extra string as a bass note. The strings I have are 046, 030, 022 (as I use on my 3 string and I have a spare A and low E form a standard 6 string.
Can I just add either the A or E string to a standard GDG tuning and if so what would the low string be tuned to or what other tuning options does anyone suggest? I'm mostly into artists such as John Lee Hooker, Robert Johnson, Son House and Seasick Seve.
Does anyone have any suggestions, or am I better off getting different strings?
Thanks
Replies
Have you heard of Chickenbone John? He has a one stop shop store for everything cbg in the UK? Including strings: https://www.chickenbonejohn.com/collections/zilpha
Hi, yes, I've bought bits from him before, didn't think about him for sets of 4 strings, I'll check him out. Thanks
You can add a G or 4th string, that'll give you GDGB or AEAC#? It will give a fuller sound with the smaller string? Usually GDG/AEA tuning is strings 3-4-5 & EBE/DAD is strings 456?
easy answer would be use the E string and tune it to D . giving you DGdg but i am sure there are a number of tunings i cant think of at the moment.
Hi Timothy, thanks for the reply, I'll gve it a go. Thanks
Colin,
C. B. Gitty sells the four string sets for either a DGBD or DGBE tuning .054, .026, .017, & 0.13 string sizes.
Hope this helps.
Blues Frog
Hi, thanks for the info. I have looked to buy from C.b. Gitty before but I'm in the UK so by the time I add shipping and import taxes on to an order it becomes very expensive (the shipping on a set of strings which cost about $7 is $15 to the UK)
Yeah I figured it would at least give you some idea of string sizes to use as well as tunings
Yes, it does, very helpful, thanks