Jump to content
IndiaDivine.org

Alt tunings

Rate this topic


Guest guest

Recommended Posts

Guest guest

Hi Vedi,

 

Saw your post on the group. I thought it better to private-mail you since what

I've to say might not find across-the-board approval ;)

 

I do "Jack Of Speed" in sort of Drop D Lute tuning. It's D A D F# B E. Lumpy

does the same for his Cumulus 19; he has samples posted on his site.

 

On alt tunings and chords generally, one of the biggest reasons we might choose

to do any arrangement in an alt tuning is that we want a sound that is

"different" than typical standard tuning. Perhaps we frequently dig the low (or

high) drone that is created by some of the open strings.

 

With this in mind, I like to find chord voicings by simple experimentation

rather than refer to a chart. That is, if I'm hunting for some kind of D major

chord, I might start by finding a D on the bass strings. Then experiment with

the remaining strings and frets till I find the appropriate notes that make up

the rest of the chord.

 

Having said that, I've also had reasonable success by trying normal, standard

fingerings but played in alt tunings. It sometimes reveals a strange and new

chord that I might not have thought up on my own. I may have to move one note a

fret or two to avoid some dissonance.

 

But overall I look at alt tunings not as simply playing the same old songs but

with new fingerings. Instead my approach to alts is that I'm searching for

something new that doesn't sound like EADGBE.

 

Btw, Alan's site has a great chart for those wanting a starting point.

 

Take it easy,

 

Ramapriya

hubli (AT) vsnl (DOT) com

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You are posting as a guest. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...