Verbal Analysis:

This "lap steel c6th" tuning is a classic and highly versatile setup, specifically designed for six-string lap steel guitars, as highlighted by the tuning description. It is a foundational tuning for steel guitar players, offering a rich, full-bodied sound that is characteristic of genres like traditional Hawaiian music, country, Western swing, and even jazz. The inherent harmony of the open strings makes it incredibly expressive and intuitive for both melodic and chordal playing.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings of this tuning—C2, E2, G2, A3, C4, E4—unisonly form a complete C6 chord (C-E-G-A-C-E). This means that simply strumming all open strings instantly yields a harmonious C6 chord, making it exceptionally well-suited for chordal accompaniment and melodic improvisation using a slide bar. Breaking down the note arrangement:

• String 6 (lowest): C2, serving as the root of the chord.
• String 5: E2, providing the major third.
• String 4: G2, the perfect fifth.
• String 3: A3, introducing the distinctive major sixth.
• String 2: C4, an octave higher than the root.
• String 1 (highest): E4, an octave higher than the major third.

This consistent C6 chord structure across the open strings allows for effortless transposition of 6th chords up and down the fretboard with a straight bar. Additionally, the tuning's intervallic relationships facilitate the creation of other chords through bar slants and partial barring. For instance, a major triad (C-E-G) is readily available on the lowest three strings. The stacked thirds and major second intervals also make arpeggios and melodic phrasing very fluid and expressive across the entire range of the instrument.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "lap steel c6th" tuning from a standard EADGBe setup, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This will result in a slightly looser feel compared to standard E.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. This is a significant drop; for optimal tension and playability, consider using a lighter gauge A string or a string typically used for E.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. This is a substantial adjustment. A lighter gauge D string or a string typically used for G is highly recommended to prevent excessive slackness and maintain proper feel.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3. This is a modest increase in tension and is generally safe for standard gauge G strings.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4. This is a minor tension increase and should be safe for standard gauge B strings.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

Important Note: When tuning strings down by more than 4 semitones or up by more than 4 semitones, it is generally advisable to use a different gauge string to maintain appropriate string tension, intonation, and overall playability.

String 6: C2

String 5: E2

String 4: G2

String 3: A3

String 2: C4

String 1: E4