My first post.

 

I could use some tuning suggestions for a recently completed 3 string (double course) CBG with a 25 inch scale.

 

I have a 3 string double course Turkish Saz but it uses .09 and .11 thin strings wihich give it that Eastern sound.

 

My preference for CBG tuning is, of course, Blues ... usually G, E or A.

 

In order  to try it out I have tuned it to E(E), B(B), octave up E(E).

 

What other complementary notes (strings might be used) for the second course with the above G, E or A tuning to keep it Bluesy?

 

Music theory is not in my blood so I have no reference point. I'm a builder first and a rockin', pickin', strummer in a distant second place. but I love CBG's.

 

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

DeltaglowBoy 

 

 

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  • ChickenboneJohn said:

    Trad tuning is (I think!) G -D A (low to high), but that does depend on the scale.  Those strings are pretty heavy for a saz, usually .008 or even .007 is the norm for the top and octave courses, 11s or 12s in the middle

     

    The baglama (saz) is usually 6 or 7 strings, double course (unison) on the bottom, double course (octave) on the middle  with triple course on the top, (octave with 2 trebles).

     

    Thanks for the reminder, I did go back and researched what my Saz uses and it appears that the strings are .08 (.09 can be substituted). I was initially going on outward appearance and those thin strings look very much alike but you are right .... I wasn't sure what the middle course was so .11 is good to know.

  • Built a three course small guitar recently and tuned it AEA with the third course a second string and a fifth string
  • My mistake ... good catch. My original post should have said EBE. Too many letters swirling around my head at the time and it was also my first posting attempt so I wanted to get it right and still messed up.

     

    Yes, it is in EBE but the question still remains as what to tune the second course ..... as I said, right now it is set up in unison just to try it out.

    Thanks

    Deltaglowboy
    ED (Bad Finger) said:

    Is there a reason you didn't try it at the E5 tuning EBE?
  • Is there a reason you didn't try it at the E5 tuning EBE?
  • Thanks, that begins to give me some direction to go.

    I've seen so many great tunings for both 3 and 4 strings that I had to go and complicate things by making a double course and then not knowing where to go in tuning it .... ha ha.

    I'm hoping other suggestions will come up from the "Idea People" here at CBN that have more of a musical backround.

    Thanks again for your reply.

     

    I'm not concerned with tuning the Saz (baglama) as I have tunings for it.

     

  • I just did a 4 string double coursed (8 Strings total) guitar. I used a standard 6 pack of strings plus and extra 1 and 2. I strung it up so that 6 and 4 are coursed in octaves. 5 and 3 coursed in octaves and the 2 and 2 in unison, and 1 and 1 in unison. This gives a "12 string" sound to my two favorite tunings: DdGgbbdd and DdF#f#aadd. (Good tunings to use with Keni Lee's group)
  • Trad tuning is (I think!) G -D A (low to high), but that does depend on the scale.  Those strings are pretty heavy for a saz, usually .008 or even .007 is the norm for the top and octave courses, 11s or 12s in the middle

     

    The baglama (saz) is usually 6 or 7 strings, double course (unison) on the bottom, double course (octave) on the middle  with triple course on the top, (octave with 2 trebles).

     

  • Please consider joining my group.

    How To Play Bottleneck Slide CBG with your host Keni Lee Burgess

    http://www.cigarboxnation.com/group/howtoplaycbg

     

    I recently posted:  Variations of G5 Tuning (GDg)

    I believe you will find this helpful.

    Please feel free to write if I can be of any further assistance.

    Enjoy your practice, Keni Lee

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