A6th on a three-legged 1951 Gibson Console Grande
Review by JOHN T. on 31 Oct 2023 review stating A6th on a three-legged 1951 Gibson Console Grande I play a three-legged Gibson Console Grande steel guitar, as used by Don Helms with Hank Williams Sr. The necks are set up with SIT strings as follows:
Front neck: A6th; Back neck: C6th. I use the front neck as my variable neck to play in tunings other than A6th. My other tunings include C#m7th or E6th,E7th, B11th, and D9th. The SIT strings can do it all from the A6th tuning and hold the pitch where you leave them. That statement includes all of the alternate tunings I use beyond the A6th. In the 1950s, steel guitar was taught in the sequence of A major, E major, C#minor, E7, C#m7 until Jerry Byrd released his C6th tuning. The A6th tuning served as the cornerstone for all of the "learning" tunings and when choices were made as to what tuning to continue with. Here is my take:
I continued with the E tuning but wandered to the C tuning which has become my standard tuning. However, there are many songs that just deserve to be played in tunings that truly fit them.
My C6th neck uses SIT C6th strings and NEVER has to be re-tuned when in a constant temperature environment.
In this instant A6th case, USE THE A6th SET AS YOUR BASE SET AND MOVE WHERE YOU WANT TO GO TO. The A6th tuning is so versatile as a base tuning, watch:
A major (high) AC#EAC#E
E major = EBEBG#E
E major = BDEG#BE
D9th = DADEF#A C E
E7th = EG#BDEG#BE
C#m7= EBC#EF#BC#E
F#9th =F#A#CF#EG#C#E
B11th = F#,B, C# D#, F#, A, C#, E
The steel guitar A6th eight-string tuning is a very versatile tuning that can be used for playing different genres of music, such as Western swing, country, blues, jazz, and pop. It is so easy to switch to other tunings.
Some of the advantages of the A6th tuning are:
It has a bright and rich sound that can create beautiful harmonies and melodies. It is also very easy to switch to other tunings, such as E6, E7, E13, B11, F#9, or C6.
It has major and minor triads on different string groups, which makes it easy to play chords and chord progressions.
It has a symmetrical layout that allows you to play the same patterns on different frets and strings.
It has a lot of open strings that can be used for drones, fills, or effect pedal effects.
Some of the disadvantages of the A6th tuning are:
It has a high pitch range that may not suit some songs or styles.
It may require more string tension and higher action than other tunings, which can affect the tone and playability. A wooden guitar may need additional bracing to handle this tuning without bowing up the guitar's top or tearing off the guitar's bridge.
It may not have enough low notes for some bass lines or accompaniments.
In spite of some of the tuning's disadvantages, some of the famous steel guitar players who use or have used the A6th tuning are:
Herb Remington, who played with Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, is considered one of the masters of Western swing.
Billy Hew Len played with Hank Snow and was known for his beautiful Hawaiian style and smooth tone.
Jerry Byrd was a pioneer of Hawaiian and country steel guitar and influenced many players.
Buddy Emmons was one of the most innovative and influential pedal steel guitar players of all time.
Just listen to some songs that use the A6th tuning, such as:
Steel Guitar Rag played by Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys
Crazy, written by Willie Nelson, and sung by Patsy Cline
I’m Movin’ On by Hank Snow, played by Kayton Roberts
Sleepwalk by Santo & Johnny
Maybe this will help you appreciate why I have found the A6th eight-string tuning so versatile across the 70 years I have been playing it.
On SIT SC8A6TH Scotty's Non-Pedal / Lap Steel Semi-Flat, 8-string A6th