Verbal and Technical Analysis

The "C11" tuning, specifically designed for Lap Steel, offers a remarkably rich and harmonically complex sound. This open tuning immediately presents a full C Major 11th chord (C-E-G-B-D-F) across all strings when played openly. This creates a lush, jazz-infused soundscape, perfect for sophisticated melodic work, intricate chordal harmonies, and expressive glissandos typical of lap steel playing.

Technically, the tuning is structured with a C Major triad (C-E-G) in the lower register, followed by extensions that build up to the 11th. The notes from low to high are C2 (root), E2 (major third), G3 (perfect fifth), B3 (major seventh), D4 (major ninth), and F4 (perfect eleventh). This precise arrangement means that even a simple strum or slide across all open strings will produce a harmonically complete Cmaj11 chord, offering a versatile and expressive foundation for exploring various genres, including jazz, blues, and Hawaiian music.

This tuning is particularly effective for slide guitar, as moving the slide up or down the neck will instantly transpose the entire Cmaj11 chord to other keys (e.g., sliding up two frets will yield a Dmaj11). The stacked nature of the thirds allows for easy access to chord voicings and arpeggios. The inclusion of the major seventh (B) and the eleventh (F) provides a sophisticated harmonic palette, enabling the player to create both consonant and subtly dissonant textures, adding depth and color to their music.

Open Chords and Voicings

• C Major 11th: All six open strings played together form a complete Cmaj11 (C-E-G-B-D-F).
• C Major Triad: The lowest three strings (C2, E2, G3) create a solid C Major triad.
• C Major 7th: Strings 6, 5, 4, and 3 (C2, E2, G3, B3) form a Cmaj7 chord.
• C Major 9th: Including the second string (C2, E2, G3, B3, D4) yields a Cmaj9 chord.
• Due to the stacked thirds and the lap steel playing style, various inversions and related harmonies can be easily derived by muting specific strings or employing partial slide techniques.

How to Tune

To achieve the "C11" tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: This is a significant drop from standard A to E. A lighter gauge string is strongly advised if you typically use heavier strings for your A string to ensure proper tension and avoid floppiness.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 5 semitones to G3. Warning: This is a substantial increase in tension. A lighter gauge string for your D string is strongly advised to prevent string breakage and undue stress on your instrument's neck.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3. Caution: This is a notable increase in tension. A lighter gauge string for your G string is advised to maintain optimal playability and reduce the risk of breakage.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 3 semitones to D4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

Always tune carefully and progressively, especially when making large pitch changes to your strings. It is highly recommended to use an electronic tuner for accuracy. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), particularly for the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings in this tuning, a different string gauge might be necessary to maintain optimal playability, string tension, and the longevity of your strings and instrument.

6th String: Tuned to C2 (the lowest C on a standard 88-key piano, two octaves below middle C).

5th String: Tuned to E2 (the E an octave below the A string in standard guitar tuning).

4th String: Tuned to G3 (the G above the lowest C, one octave below middle C).

3rd String: Tuned to B3 (the B below middle C).

2nd String: Tuned to D4 (the D above middle C).

1st String: Tuned to F4 (the F above middle C, corresponding to the 1st fret of a standard high E string).