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Author Topic:  The Chuck Lettes tuning
Jan Viljoen


From:
Pretoria, South Africa
Post  Posted 20 Jul 2012 9:57 pm    
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Hi Blokes,

I discovered the Chuck Lettes tuning (l-h) FGACEG, which is a modified C6 tuning.
The 1-4-5 cords are all very convenient, but what are the other pros and cons of this tuning.

I found only one tune on U Tube regarding this, are there others?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzp9iGSRsRY

What will the 8 string version be?

Please help.

Steel on!
_________________
Sierra S10, Stage One, Gibson BR4, Framus, Guya 6&8, Hofner lap, Custom mandolins, Keilwerth sax.
Roland Cube 80XL, Peavey112-Valve King and Special, Marshall 100VS.
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Chuck S. Lettes


From:
Denver, Colorado
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2012 8:46 am    
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Hi Jan,
Glad that you are enjoying this modified C6th tuning. I discovered it by accident. It's based on my pedal steel's C6th tuning, using the first five strings (highest)GECAG. When I put this tuning on my six string lap steel, I decided to use the sixth string as an F (30W), an octave higher than the ninth string (F-52 W) on my pedal steel. Sometimes I detune the F to an E on my lap steel. This creates the traditional high G C6th tuning. However, when I use the F as a root, the tuning becomes a modified F9.
You can find some examples of my playing on YouTube. Just type in my name: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7PKksc4MIXM
I also have some tunes using this tuning posted here:
http://www.hsga.org/ChuckLettes.htm

And here:
http://soundcloud.com/chuckesteel

Best of luck with the lap steel. It has a great sound!
Chuck


Last edited by Chuck S. Lettes on 21 Jul 2012 11:52 am; edited 1 time in total
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Jan Viljoen


From:
Pretoria, South Africa
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2012 9:29 am     Chuck's tuning
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Hi Chuck,

Thank you for your info, I like this.

Is it possible to send me some tab of songs and or cords?

I play inter alia in a South African folk band with concertina and/or reed organ as lead instruments. Your tuning gives the ideal comping tuning for this style, especially when they change keys up to 4 times in a song.

I am busy with a new lap steel (with your tuning) to handle a Y strap to play standing up with the other musicians.
It gives a better position for eye contact with the audience as well.

Thanx man.
_________________
Sierra S10, Stage One, Gibson BR4, Framus, Guya 6&8, Hofner lap, Custom mandolins, Keilwerth sax.
Roland Cube 80XL, Peavey112-Valve King and Special, Marshall 100VS.
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Chuck S. Lettes


From:
Denver, Colorado
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2012 9:34 am    
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Hi Jan,
Try this link for some tab/ chords. http://www.pedalsteelguitar.net/lapsteel.php
Glad that you are using this tuning in a unique band situation. Love to hear some of your stuff!.
Chuck
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Jan Viljoen


From:
Pretoria, South Africa
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2012 9:46 am     Chuck's tuning
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Thanx Chuck, I am looking for more cords in your tuning or are there limits?

And the 8 string version?

I posted a picture of the one band I played in before.
Check it out.

Jan
_________________
Sierra S10, Stage One, Gibson BR4, Framus, Guya 6&8, Hofner lap, Custom mandolins, Keilwerth sax.
Roland Cube 80XL, Peavey112-Valve King and Special, Marshall 100VS.
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Peter den Hartogh


From:
Cape Town, South Africa
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2012 11:32 am    
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Jan, try this for an 8 string version.
Tab:
Pitch   Gauge   Cents   440 Scale
G       .012    +6.0    441.5
E       .014    -6.0    438.5
C       .017    +4.0    441
A       .021    -6.0    438.5
G       .026w   +6.0    441.5
F(E)    .030w   -6.0    438.5
C       .036w   +4.0    441
A       .042w   -6.0    438.5

I got this from John Ely's website:
http://www.hawaiiansteel.com/tunings/my_tunings.php
_________________
1977 Sho~Bud D10 ProIII Custom; Sho~Bud SD10 The Professional ; ETS S10 5x5;
Fender 1000; 1993 Remington U12; 1978 Emmons S10 P/P; GeorgeB Weissenborn;
Fluger Cat-Can; Asher Electro Hawaiian; Gibson BR4; Fender FS52; Guyatone 8str;
Fender Resonator ; Epiphone Coronet 1937; Rickenbacher Ace; Rickenbacher NS;
Dynalap 8string; Harbor Lights 8string; Aiersi Tri-Cone; Fender Stringmaster


Last edited by Peter den Hartogh on 21 Jul 2012 11:36 am; edited 1 time in total
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Jan Viljoen


From:
Pretoria, South Africa
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2012 11:36 am     Chuck's tuning
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Thanx Peter, I appreciate your input.

Voorspoed!

Jan
_________________
Sierra S10, Stage One, Gibson BR4, Framus, Guya 6&8, Hofner lap, Custom mandolins, Keilwerth sax.
Roland Cube 80XL, Peavey112-Valve King and Special, Marshall 100VS.
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Jan Viljoen


From:
Pretoria, South Africa
Post  Posted 21 Jul 2012 10:33 pm     Chuck's tuning
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Chuck/Peter,

I know there are many websites with chord generators and John Ely's is very informative.

This one also gives the facility to customize and compare any tuning. Idea

http://12bar.de/scale_generator.php

I hope it helps others.

Steel on!
_________________
Sierra S10, Stage One, Gibson BR4, Framus, Guya 6&8, Hofner lap, Custom mandolins, Keilwerth sax.
Roland Cube 80XL, Peavey112-Valve King and Special, Marshall 100VS.
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Jan Viljoen


From:
Pretoria, South Africa
Post  Posted 24 Nov 2012 11:40 am     Pictures
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Here I post a couple of pictures of a nice Folk music gig where I played.

1 I am flanked by Wollie a music teacher and Wessel the chairman of the Folk Music Guild.
Salt of the earth people.

2 Playing in a 9 piece band with Wollie leading. I am using the Chuck Lettes tuning on my custom lap steel out of Rosewood and African Blackwood with ivory inlays.

3 Playing mandolin with uncle Albert leading. I upgraded the mandolin with new Stew Mac pots, caps and had the pickup rewound.
Plays like a Gibson.










Thanks guys.
_________________
Sierra S10, Stage One, Gibson BR4, Framus, Guya 6&8, Hofner lap, Custom mandolins, Keilwerth sax.
Roland Cube 80XL, Peavey112-Valve King and Special, Marshall 100VS.
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail


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