Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Korrigan on June 1, 2019 at 1:54pm

It's not a dead end at all!

Though I prefer 513 tuning (open G would be DGB for example). The chord fingering is easier in my opinion.

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Permalink Reply by Bill on June 2, 2019 at 4:25am

Thanks for the input, Korrigan.
I love the "there's no wrong way" perspective with CBGs :-)
I will be able to use the two-note harmonized scales I am familiar with.
Happy picking!

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Permalink Reply by Blind Doughboy on June 2, 2019 at 3:24am

I'd venture a guess that most CBGs are tuned to some sort of open tuning. There are countless variations that approximate a chord, such as GDG, AEA, DAD, EBE.  Makes it very easy if you want to just strum along and play basic slide.

But, such tunings don't limit you to slide playing in the least. I'm almost strictly a finger picker (hardly ever use a slide) and most of my 3-string instruments are GDG or DAD.  For four stringers I like DGBD.  Oddly, for six string, I like standard tuning more than open.

But, it's all pretty objective. Your mileage may vary

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Permalink Reply by Bill on June 2, 2019 at 4:37am

Hello BD.
Yep, GDG is pretty friendly, and I don't see me abandonong it.
I guess the only reasonable solution is to have more than one guitar!
:-D

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Permalink Reply by Korrigan on June 2, 2019 at 12:44pm

Not trying to talk you out of more guitars but...

If you are in open G (151, GDG) it's really easy to tune to open D major (513, ADF#).

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on June 2, 2019 at 7:58am

Basically these are usually tuned 1-5-1(old Rock power chords) for the simplicity, but you can tune to what you want. I prefer 4 strings that I tune 1-5-1-3. That way I can add a 3rd when I want and makes playing with 4rths and 7ths easier.

Welcome.

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Permalink Reply by Bill on June 2, 2019 at 1:30pm

Hi, Paul. Thanks.
I am enjoying learning playing this thing, and have been pleasantly surprised to find out that at least on simple songs, I can actually sing and play at the same time!
There may be a 4-string in my future, if the string spacing will accomodate my chubby fingers. :-)

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Permalink Reply by Paul Craig on June 2, 2019 at 8:50pm

I use the 1"x 2" boards for my necks(actual 3/4"x 1&1/2") and I have the short fat fingers too. Which is why I played Rhythm guitar using power chords. LOL  Remember that 6 string guitars are usually 1&11/16" or 1&3/4" at the nut, so 4 strings with 1&1/2" all the up the board is very good spacing. I found myself getting use to all the space.

Not many can sing and play at the same time and some can do both very well at the same time. Practice, practice, practice and practice some more.

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on June 3, 2019 at 2:28am

You sound like you have more music theory than I do.  There are a great many tunings used and I think yours makes an open G.  I think if you are just sliding it might be great, but like Korigan said, if you want to do some finger chords and picking, DGB is easiest to do that and good old GDG is as close to a standard as there is in CBGs. 

I use GDGB on a four string tuning (among others) and like it.

I suggest you take a look at this lesson:  knotlenny's CBG 101 at page top or google it.

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Permalink Reply by Bill on June 3, 2019 at 2:49am

Thanks, John. Will do.
I don't foresee much sliding, hopefully some fingerpicking and strumming.

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Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on June 3, 2019 at 7:22am

The 1, 5, 8 tuning is a starting point. With every different open tuning there's different music to be had. Even tuning three or four stings in standard tuning works. 

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Permalink Reply by Bill on June 3, 2019 at 8:34am

Tried to confuse me with the 1,5,8 instead of 1,5,1, eh?
Took me a second, but I figured it out.
:-)
Working on this song today:
transposed to where chords are
F C Am A# and C
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab/deluge/open_up_the_sky_chords_...

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