What Is This Tuning?

[Tony Oresteen]

Luke Cyrus Goetze uses this tuning (L to H) on his Dusenberg lap steel guitar:

G B D F# A D

He also uses benders on strings 2 & 3:

1 D
2 A - B +2
3 F# - G +1
4 D
5 B
6 G

What is the name of this tuning? Who else uses it?

Thanks!

[Chase Brady]

The late Bobby Lee (Forum founder) called it D/G. There is also an 8-string version which he called D6/G. String sets for both are available on the Forum.

[John Larson]

Here is a thread where this tuning is discussed

Gmaj9 The F# being the major 7th the A being the 9th. Also has the notes for Dmaj6

If you're in D major looks like the benders go from the I to IV chord (G major) like the A+B pedals on a PSG. Looks like quite the versatile tuning for 6 strings.

[Allan Revich]

Luke Cyrus Goetze uses this tuning (L to H) on his Dusenberg lap steel guitar:

G B D F# A D

He also uses benders on strings 2 & 3:

1 D
2 A - B +2
3 F# - G +1
4 D
5 B
6 G

What is the name of this tuning? Who else uses it?

Thanks!

The chord formed by Luke’s tuning is G major 9 so a logical name for the tuning would be Gmaj9. While most tunings are named for the chord produced when all the strings are played, this is not always the case. As mentioned above b0b Lee preferred to call it D over G. This is not “wrong”, and in fact might even be more appropriate for Luke’s bender based tuning.

I like to use a 7 string version of Gmaj9, adding a low D on the bass string for DGBDF#AD. I have used the 6 string version too, but currently prefer G low bass on 6 strings to match my Spanish guitars, and for heavy blues rock.

These days I tune to G9, DGBDFAD. It gives me G7 plus D minor, which I prefer over Gmaj7 and B minor7. I can certainly see how benders would be cool on Gmaj9.

Maybe if I had the skills of Luke Cyrus Goetze I’d use his tuning.

[Ken Pippus]

That could also be called G major 11.

If you were willing to lie.

[Tony Oresteen]

Thanks all!

Who am I to disagree with bOb? I will call it D/G in my notes and string sets.

I really appreciate all the input! And I like Allan's 7 string version with a D in the bass. Sadly I don't have (yet) a 7 string that I can use with his tuning.

My Ceranto bender project is nearing completion and it is time to pick a tuning, calculate gauges, & order stings (I always build my own sets with individual strings). I will use D/G. Stay tuned as I think you will like the lap steel husk I rescued 2 years ago and am bringing back to life.

[HowardR]

Luke Cyrus Goetze has 3 levers on this tuning as he added one not too long ago......I believe that it lowers the first string D to Db....

[Tony Oresteen]

Luke Cyrus Goetze has 3 levers on this tuning as he added one not too long ago......I believe that it lowers the first string D to Db....

I watched a number of his videos and I saw mostly 2 levers, there was one that mentioned 3 but I couldn't see it. Good to know, thanks.

My Ceranto benders only have 2.

So the Dusenberg levers can LOWER a string?

[John Larson]

So the Dusenberg levers can LOWER a string?

Yep
https://www.rockinger.com/en/parts/hard ... ultibender

[Tony Oresteen]

So the Dusenberg levers can LOWER a string?

Yep
https://www.rockinger.com/en/parts/hard ... ultibender

John,

Oh crap! My mind is spinning!!! I want that Dusenberg bridge for another project!!!


Thanks!

[John Larson]

So the Dusenberg levers can LOWER a string?

Yep
https://www.rockinger.com/en/parts/hard ... ultibender

John,

Oh crap! My mind is spinning!!! I want that Dusenberg bridge for another project!!!


Thanks!

Their Fairytale lap steel is an awesome looking piece of kit. Movable built in capo, and multi bender, I wish they made it in an 8 string.

[Joe A. Roberts]

I recall seeing mixed reviews for the lower function on that bender on the forum here over the years, especially on the low strings. It would be interesting to hear more opinions.

[Tony Oresteen]

+1 on the 8 string version.

I contacted them a few years back on making an 8 string and they were very firm with their answer: NO.

[Daniel McKee]

I was excited when these guitars came out but Ive seen mixed reviews. I could make do with a 6 but they are very costly. They are cool though!