Mandolin open tunings

[dulcibutch]

I want to play open tunings (ADAD, DDAD & others). I think it will help me when transferring to the fiddle.
I tried tuning AEAE & the tuners really were hard to turn getting the lower AEs.
Any tips?

[Jim Garber]

If you are using regular medium gauge strings you have to tune higher and add tension to the top. If you have more than one mandolin you might want to put lighter strings on it especially on the bass strings. Depending on the type of mandolin you are playing, of course.

[Simon DS]

A cheap instrument tuned GDGD can actually sound great.
Try FCFC too, it can bring out some extra tone.
These tunings (almost-fifths) can help with the transition to standard tuning, fiddle or mandolin.
Be careful to play as a mandolinist since open tunings can encourage an ex-guitarist to continue with some bad habits.
Good luck!!

[Dave Hanson]

EADG is a good tuning.

Dave H

[dulcibutch]

Thanks everyone. I am using a cheaper Kentucky mandolin for this. It’s the one I bought 1st years ago. DDAD sounds nice. I haven’t tuned down yet other than DDAD. I am finding that I’ll be better to tune down from standard tuning. Definitely not necessary to tune up the ADAD when I can learn fingering patterns playing GDGD. I’ll be trying the other tunings you have put in this thread!👍