Tuning Overview: Luke Cyrus Goetze ACEGA#D# Lap Steel Tuning

This distinctive ACEGA#D# tuning, as described for a Lap Steel Guitar by Luke Cyrus Goetze, offers a highly expressive and harmonically rich sound. While the original description notes it as "tuned up 1 half step," the specific string adjustments are varied and result in a complex open voicing unlike typical major or minor open tunings. It's an advanced setup designed for players seeking unique textures and expanded harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning are:

• 6th String (Low): A2
• 5th String: C3
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: A#4 (Bb4)
• 1st String (High): D#5 (Eb5)

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest string (A2), we find: A (Root), C (Minor 3rd), E (Perfect 5th), G (Minor 7th), A# (Minor 9th/b9), and D# (Augmented 11th/#11). The first four strings (A-C-E-G) form a clear A minor 7th (Am7) chord. The subsequent notes, A#4 (enharmonically Bb4) and D#5 (enharmonically Eb5), introduce significant tensions. The full open tuning explicitly spells out an Am7(b9, #11) chord, a sophisticated voicing that moves beyond conventional tonality, ideal for modern jazz, fusion, or deeply expressive blues and rock styles.

Chordal & Melodic Potential

• Open Am7(b9, #11): Directly available on open strings, this chord provides an immediate gateway to complex harmonic landscapes.
• Am7 Foundation: The strong A minor 7th core (A-C-E-G) makes this tuning very friendly for exploring A minor scales, arpeggios, and chord progressions.
• Blues and Altered Dominants: The inherent b9 and #11 tensions are highly versatile for creating bluesy licks, altered dominant sounds, and even exotic modal voicings. These chromatic tones facilitate easy movement into jazzy extensions.
• Polytonal Exploration: The combination of A minor elements with A#/Bb and D#/Eb allows for interesting polytonal possibilities or the exploration of scales such as A Phrygian Dominant or A Lydian b9.
• Accessible Chords: While the open tuning is complex, by simply sliding a bar, various inversions of A minor chords, and even some dominant or diminished forms, can be quickly discovered, especially with the solid Am7 base.

How to Tune (Based on Standard EADGBe Reference)

Please note these instructions are based on a standard six-string guitar tuned to EADGBe. Always use a reliable tuner. Extreme tension changes, particularly increasing tension, can be risky for your instrument and strings. Consider a string gauge adjustment if tuning significantly up.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones from E to A2. Important: This is a substantial increase in tension (more than 4 semitones). It is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string for this position to prevent breakage and ensure stable tuning.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A to C3. This is a moderate increase in tension; proceed with care.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone from E to D#5.

This intricate tuning unlocks a world of sophisticated sonic textures, making it a powerful tool for the creative Lap Steel guitarist.

The strings for this tuning are set as follows (from lowest to highest pitch):

• 6th String: A2 (An A note in the second octave)
• 5th String: C3 (A C note in the third octave)
• 4th String: E3 (An E note in the third octave)
• 3rd String: G3 (A G note in the third octave)
• 2nd String: A#4 (An A sharp note in the fourth octave)
• 1st String: D#5 (A D sharp note in the fifth octave)