What dna test is right for testing paternal grandmothers ancestry?

I am tracking my paternal grandmother's ancestry and have hit a roadblock. I'd like to do dna testing to see, but I'm not sure which test would give me the correct results-admixture? Also, does it matter if it's a female or male descendant who does the test? Since they're expensive tests, I want to make sure we do it correctly! Thanks!What dna test is right for testing paternal grandmothers ancestry?
I consider mtDNA and Y-chromosome testing as having more anthropological value than genealogical. The new autosomal "Family Finder" test at Family Tree DNA holds more potential value, as the database builds.



I have not checked into the autosomal tests offered at Sorensen yet. They will all depend on how large the existing databases with which to compare your results to, becomes. In the past Sorensen has not shared the databases they have. If they continue this the test will be of little value. GeneTree is selling Sorensens results in small pieces and with speculative results. GeneTree, rather than testing the haplogroup's defining markers, is 'predicting' them with dubious results.



None can yet give you the names of your kin. They will give you a bunch of numbers and letters and wish you luck.What dna test is right for testing paternal grandmothers ancestry?
In gerneral, a male can be tested for both mtDNA and yDNA. A female can only be tested for mtDNA, and for yDNA results, for the best results, she needs a brother or her father to be tested.



Both the yDNA and mtDNA test work only in straight lines; the mtDNA tests the mother, her mother, her mother...and so on. The yDNA test works for the father, his father, his father, etc.



Neither will work in the zig-zag fashion. E.g., in you case, you father can be tested for the yDNA, but it will not reflect his mother's DNA. It will show his paternal grandfather, but none of the other 3 grandparents.



So, the autosomal DNA will do some good. However, in my own case, it came up with one person who is my 8th cousin, twice removed, but it said he was my 4th cousin! So, out of 10 matches, only one is an actual match. (The one match, 8th cousin, twice removed, takes me back to the early 1600s in Connecticut.)



So, autosomal is the only one that might work.



As to expensive, well, most people can cut back on their smoke or booze and quickly pay for the test, or not eat out so often, etc.What dna test is right for testing paternal grandmothers ancestry?
You might want to read the information on the Sorenson Genealogical Database site. There are 4 types of DNA and generally we hear of only 2. They offer testing for about $50. and are creating a Database. ON their site all 4 types of DNA is explained. The one you are probably wanting to do is Autosomal DNA and it is available through Sorenson