Discovering Dad Gad Tuning

One of the most fun things that I've discovered lately while playing in Dad Gad tuning is that you can actually play some of the older style tunes. You can almost imitate a 12-string guitar because you have all these parallel strings.

The Parallel Strings Effect

• Three strings in octaves: You can play an entire melody on a double pair of strings and get almost a 12-string effect.
• Melodies and Bass Lines: By combining melodies with a standard, repeating bass line, you create a unique sound.

Starting Out

Originally, I was just sort of playing with the idea of playing a melody in octaves and then the bass. This melody is simple, and what I have to do is really concentrate on finding those octaves comfortably.

Key Points

• When playing the fifth and the second string, there are two strings between.
• When playing the fourth and the first string, there are also two strings between.
• However, when you get down to the fourth and the sixth, there's only one string in between.

So, you have to make that subtle adjustment with your right hand, allowing you to play just about any melody, even in those tunes.

Practical Application

Just like I showed you in the "West Wind," you can suddenly pull in an octave and it gives a nice flavor.

Example Chords

The other thing to keep in mind is that I'm using chords that are pretty much standard tuning chords. But by switching the fingering slightly, I can get:

• Seventh Chord: Here's a seventh.
• Straight Major: All I have to do is add the flatted seventh.
• Minor Seventh: To create this, I just flatten that major third to A minor.

The feeling of playing these chords is not much different from playing the four-note jazz chords; you just have to rethink the structure a little bit.

A Practical Example

For example, if you play a C chord in Dad Gad, you get a C9.

• If you were to play a blues progression:
  • Play a seventh for your I chord
  • Transition to the IV chord with a standard C chord

The Flavor of Eureka Hotel

"Eureka Hotel" has that same old, turn-of-the-century flavor. The key takeaway is to maintain a steady rhythm throughout.

• Octave Melody: Incorporate an octave melody, and sometimes I'll use the back of my nail for more effect.
• Transitioning Back: You go back to this seventh chord with the melody in octaves.

Blues Running Down

This blues run is so easy in Dad Gad! I love how it allows for a more laid-back playing style, where you only need to focus on one or two fingers at a time.

Putting It All Together

This tune repeats pretty much the same elements. The bridge transitions to the IV chord major, then goes to A minor, and back to the I. I dampen the strings here to give it an old-time flavor.

Unique Techniques

• Stretching Up: While playing, stretch your fingers up but don't let them come down.
• Funky Sound: By getting under the strings and pulling them away from the fret, you can get a funky sound. I'm not using my nails at all; just grabbing with the flesh of my fingers.

Ending Notes

After I do a certain sequence, I perform a hammer-on and pull-off combination and slide up to the matching note.

Flexibility in Music

Every time I play a tune, it changes slightly. Although we provide you with music and tab, remember that tunes are flexible.

• Adapt them to fit what you do particularly well.
• You don't have to play exactly like someone else; make it as easy on yourself as possible.

Final Thoughts

As John Hartford once said, finding your personal style is key. It doesn't have to be fast or fancy; it simply needs to resonate with your heart and soul when you play.

• Once you figure out what works for you, that can be your career in music.
• Stay true to your heart, and everything will fall into place.