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Tuning Your Dobro to Open G

The Dobro is commonly tuned with the following arrangement on the strings (from the top lowest to the bottom highest): G B D G B D

There are other tunings that are utilized, but this is the most common for bluegrass and can also be used effectively for blues. We will go into other tunings in future lessons so stay tuned.

Here's a diagram illustrating this tuning sequence with each string's note denoted along with the corresponding tuners:

Now for the different methods of tuning...

1. Tuning the Dobro to itself. First you'll need a reference such as a tuning fork, piano or Dobro. Once you have one of the strings tuned properly, you only need to use your slide above the frets as follows:

B low string matches G low string at the 4th fret of the G string

D low string matches B low string at the 3rd fret of the B string

G high string matches D low string at the 5th fret of the D string

B high string matches G high string at the 4th fret of the G string

D high string matches B high string at the 3rd fret of the B string

2. Tuning the Dobro to an electronic tuner. This is the method I recommend to all beginners since it's the easiest approach and the most accurate approach. There are a variety of tuners available on the market. Be sure to get one that will work for Dobro....such as a Korg GA-20.

Click here for more info on the highly recommended Korg Chromatic Electronic Tuner

Most electronic tuners have an automatic mode where the user can see both an LCD readout depicting a needle that centers when properly tuned and the note being played. There are usually LEDs that also give a green or red light depending on whether you've reached the designated note. I highly recommend that all beginners have an electronic tuner as a reference. This is also considerate to others who have to listen to you practice. When you're accurately tuned, it's difficult to hit a sour note.

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