Two Guitars and an Octar

I accompany myself on one of three instruments: a steel-strung guitar tuned D F# B E A D ; a nylon-strung or classical guitar in regular tuning; and on an octar tuned in paired course: F C G D . I am often asked questions about these instruments and on my approach to playing them.

STEEL-STRUNG GUITAR TUNED: D F# B E A D

I adapted this from a John Renbourne tuning. Very similar to a Turkish oud tuning, I find it suits Britsih Isles traditional music well. The keys of D minor, D major, B minor, A major and A minor are easily played in this tuning.

NYLON-STRUNG GUITAR:

I am NO classical or flamenco guitarist. Here are some thoughts on adapting nylon string techniques to your playing and some links to all-important information about keeping your fingernails in shape. Also: when you get to this page, scroll to the bottom to find a brief story of how Bakersfield Sound legend Gene Moles 're-capitated' my guitar.

THE OCTAR

Adapted from a 60 to 70 year old Harmony archtop, the octar is played like a mandola or a mandocello. It is tuned an octave and a step lower than a mandolin and is strung like a Portugese mandola.

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