Cool variation of GBDGBD for key of C

[Marc Muller]

Doing a dobro track for a client and song was firmly in key of C. I use GBDGBD but have no problem twisting a tuner or two to try something new. Anyway, I think I came up with it (or I stole it from that Gary Peters guy) but low to high is F - C - D - G - C - D. Kinda still half regular G, but nice to hit that low F on the IV chord, and nice major 2nds too.
Anyway, check it out. Nice boo-wah in C, F, with a nice slide up to 2nd fret on the low strings for the G.

[Mark Eaton]

So you tuned the 5th string B a whole step up to C and the string didn't explode?

What gauge do you have on there?

[Frank Nims]

how about G C E G C E ?

[Jim Fogarty]

So you tuned the 5th string B a whole step up to C and the string didn't explode?

B up to C is just a 1/2 step, bud. That shouldn't be an issue.

[Marc Muller]

how about G C E G C E ?

Sure but that low F on the IV chord really sounded nice. I liked the 2 suspension with the Ds too. No rules though, of course.

[Frank Nims]

Fair enough!

[Mark Eaton]

So you tuned the 5th string B a whole step up to C and the string didn't explode?

B up to C is just a 1/2 step, bud. That shouldn't be an issue.

It sure is a half step - my bad. But even so, when you get down to the 5th, usually .045w or .046w, and the 6th which is typically .056w and they are already so tight - any increase in tension always feels like a potential time bomb to me and I rarely ever think about tuning those strings higher.

I guess can go get some safety glasses out of the garage and give it a shot to see how it goes...

[Marc Muller]

No issues. Played and sounded totally fine using D'addario resonator strings.

[Fred Treece]

Great idea!

[Paul Brainard]

Cool idea! Also if you're ever in a jam for a 6th tuning you can do this, depending on your low string gauges:

D -> C#
B -> A
G -> F#
D -> E / C#
B -> C# / A
G -> A /F# / E