Resonator guitars are a popular choice for playing blues music. They have a bright, percussive sound that is well-suited for the genre. There are many different tunings that can be used for blues on a resonator guitar, but some of the most common include:
- Open G tuning: This tuning is the most common tuning for blues on a resonator guitar. It is a very versatile tuning that can be used for a variety of styles, including Delta blues, Chicago blues, and slide guitar. The strings are tuned to G, B, D, G, B, E.
- Open D tuning: This tuning is also a popular choice for blues. It is a bit darker than open G tuning and can be used for a more mellow sound. The strings are tuned to D, G, A, D, G, B.
- Double Drop D tuning: This tuning is a bit more challenging to play, but it can produce a very rich, full sound. The strings are tuned to D, D, G, B, E, E.
Ultimately, the best tuning for you will depend on your personal preference and the style of blues you want to play.
Here are some additional tips for tuning a resonator guitar for blues:
- Use a thicker gauge of strings. Resonator guitars are typically played with a harder attack than regular guitars, so you will need to use thicker strings to prevent them from breaking.
- Tune the strings carefully. The metal cone in the body of the resonator guitar can make the strings go out of tune easily, so it is important to tune them carefully.
- Experiment with different tunings. There are many different tunings that can be used for blues on a resonator guitar, so experiment with different tunings to find what works best for you.
If you are new to playing blues on a resonator guitar, I recommend starting with open G tuning. This is a very versatile tuning that can be used for a variety of styles. As you become more experienced, you can experiment with other tunings.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about playing blues on a resonator guitar:
- Use a slide. A slide is a metal bar that is used to play blues on a resonator guitar. It can produce a smooth, fluid sound that is well-suited for the genre.
- Use a bottleneck slide. A bottleneck slide is a type of slide that is made from a bottle neck. It is a popular choice for playing blues because it can produce a very expressive sound.
- Use a capo. A capo is a device that is used to raise the pitch of the strings. It can be used to play blues in different keys.
