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Sep 30, 2026 - 2:11:55 AM
30129 posts since 6/25/2005

Just listening to a 1965 Stanleys concert where Ralph retuned to open D to play “Hard Times.” Hs said he was changing to “sawmill.” I’ve always head the term as a name for G modal (gDGCD). Anyone heard “sawmill” used to refer to other non-standard different tunings?

Sep 30, 2026 - 3:03:48 AM

4724 posts since 7/12/2006

Ralph is the only one i think ive heard actually use that term.

Sep 30, 2026 - 5:07:47 AM

9687 posts since 9/5/2006

just raise the B string to C... sometimes called mountain tuning or modal or sawmill.
fun to play with .... gives it an old timey lonesome sound .

Sep 30, 2026 - 8:03:57 AM

7002 posts since 5/29/2011

I always heard "Sawmill tuning" refer to the G modal tuning, in person, or in books.

Sep 30, 2026 - 8:30:33 AM

7110 posts since 3/6/2006

And why is it called sawmill tuning anyway?
It seems to imply some dissonance.

Sep 30, 2026 - 8:45:41 AM

chuckv97

Canada

80356 posts since 10/5/2013
Online Now

I like sawmill/mountain minor tuning cuz it throws that dratted B under da bus!

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