Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper

Subject: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: GUEST,Leon
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 07:06 PM

Hi,

I'm trying to work out The Green Man by Roy Harper and not getting far with it.

I'd be grateful if anyone can offer any clues, such as what tuning he might be using on it.

cheers
Leon

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: Leadfingers
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 07:49 PM

The only Roy Harper stuff I have on Vinyl is beyond MY comprehension .

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: GUEST,Leon
Date: 27 Aug 04 - 05:20 AM

Some of his guitar work is pretty complex.

I saw him last year at Hebden Bridge but was sat too far back to work out how he was playing The Green Man. Lovely song.

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: wilco
Date: 27 Aug 04 - 09:51 AM

Is this the Roy Harper who is the Old-time musician in Middle Tennessee (USA). If so, I have his phone number.

Wilco 48

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: GUEST,Leon
Date: 27 Aug 04 - 05:53 PM

Thanks, but I don't think it is the same Roy Harper.

cheers
Leon

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: Eric the Streetsinger
Date: 28 Aug 04 - 04:37 PM

I just listened to a sample of the song you mean at Roy's website
http://www.royharper.co.uk/shop/display_page.php?page=home
and I think you should start with an open "C" tuning- as it has
the octave-bass alternation built in, and you can work out the melodies
on the higher strings. Start by alternating the bass on the
sixth and fourth strings, then when you have the rhythm, start
looking for the melody notes on the high "e" string.
Use a capo to match his pitch.
Open C-

CGCGCE

tune low "e" down to "C"
tune "A" down to "G"
tune "D" down to "C"
      "G"
tune "B" up to "C"
       "E"
you can get pretty close to it

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: GUEST,Leon
Date: 29 Aug 04 - 09:43 AM

Nice one! Many thanks for that Eric. Just retuned to that open C and immediately it sounds promising.

cheers
Leon

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: Eric the Streetsinger
Date: 06 Sep 04 - 12:35 AM

Glad to hear it- on his website, Harper mentions that he has trouble
keeping his low string tuned to "B" so if open "C" doesn't work, you can try open "B", by tuning the instrument down a half-step.
Open "C" by the way is my favorite tuning. Its great for blues, or modal traditional stuff, but lends itself well to contemporary pop as well. Also, you can retune to "C-minor" or "C Sus. 4"(the "C" equivalent of DADGAD) just by retuning the high "E" string. The droning bass notes are fantastic, and the presance of so many octave-paired strings gives you tremendous flexibility for both melodic and rhythmic work!

Subject: RE: Chord Req: Tuning for Green Man by Roy Harper
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Sep 04 - 10:21 AM

That open C does sound good - I have the song more or less worked out now. If you're interested the basic riff starts with a chord played with the second string on the 7th fret and the first string on the 8th (other strings open). This is then slid down to 5th and 6th frets, then it moves to 2nd & 3rd on the 5th fret other strings open , then that is slid down 2 frets, and then moving to an open C chord.