I had heard of E13th. But never heard of B11th. It was not until years later I was shown what B11th was. I was a kid and knew not a note of music at the time. So the names did not have any meaning to me. Come to think about it I have NO idea why I even asked. Probably just a kid wanting to be noticed I suppose.

So I do know he used it. Where, I am not so sure. I feel confident that most of what he cut with Hank was E13th or E6th as some call it.

The Hawaiians use a lot of B11th as does JB. I could never do much with it myself. But in their hands and I am sure the hands of Don Helms it is quite a nice tuning.

In essence it is two major chords one stacked on top of the other. Like putting the IV chord above the V chord.

I hope that provides some help.

I have a triple neck Magnatone and I am still looking for a tuning for the neck closest to me. I've got a C6th/A7th on my middle and Helms' E13th on the far one. I was thinking of using B11th, but I haven't figured out what I can use it for yet. Thanks again all.

Since I don't use the B11 tuning on my steel, I have not committed to memory which of Hank's songs Don used B11 for fills. I will listen to a few of my Hank CD's and see if I can identify some. I will share my observations on this thread. Give me a few days or so.

There may have been, but my ears just don't recall it.

I will give them a listen over the next few days and see if I can hear a change in tunings during Don's back up playing.

Also, I would like to refresh my memory on the exact tune where Don took over from Jerry Byrd. I wanta say "moanin the Blues" But I am not sure. Don told me one time in Saluda, but I can't remember which tune it was that was his very first recording with Hank.

You may be correct on Don not using B11 on the recordings. He never has been specific on which songs he may have used the B11 for fills. He just said in general that such was one of his approaches to the music. It seems I heard some of his fills that did not sound like they came from the E6 neck. I'll listen again and see if I detect anything on B11.

As far as Don's first recordings with Hank... They were January 9, 1950 when they recorded "Long Gone Lonesome Blues", "Why Don't You Love Me", "Why Should We Try Anymore" and "My Son Calls Another Man Daddy". Don said that he recorded those first 4 songs using a Fender D8. He traded the Fender for a Gibson Console Grande in early-to-mid 1950 when "Why Don't You Love Me" was on the charts.

"Moanin' the Blues" was recorded in Don's fourth session with Hank on August 31, 1950.

I am asking the experts with a more experienced ear then mine to share with us your thoughts.