The "Papa Dafoe D6" is a distinctive 7-string lap steel guitar tuning, expertly crafted to provide a versatile foundation for blues music, excelling in both major and minor keys.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is based around a D6 chord, making it harmonically rich and immediate. The open strings are tuned to:

• String 7 (lowest): D2
• String 6: A2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: A3
• String 1 (highest): D4

The open strings collectively form a D6 chord (D, F#, A, B), with multiple octaves of D and A providing a full, resonant sound. The strategic placement of the F# on String 3 and B on String 5 allows for quick access to the major third and sixth intervals, which are key components of the D6 chord. This structure naturally lends itself to playing major chords by barring across the strings. For example, a simple straight bar at any fret will produce a major 6th chord (e.g., at the 5th fret, it would be a G6 chord).

The tuning's design facilitates blues playing. While the open strings are D6, transitioning to minor blues is often just a slide or a single string alteration away. For instance, flattening the F# (String 3) to F would immediately give a D minor feel, opening up minor blues possibilities. The presence of the B (sixth) also means that dominant 7th chords (by flattening the B to Bb) or minor 7th chords are easily within reach with minimal fretboard movement. The octave D's and A's provide a strong harmonic anchor, allowing melodic lines to be played over a consistent bass.

How to Tune

To achieve the Papa Dafoe D6 tuning for your 7-string lap steel, follow these steps:

• String 7 (D2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 6 (A2): Tune up 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this string to avoid excessive tension or potential breakage.
• String 5 (B2): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (F4#): Tune down 1 semitones.
• String 2 (A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

String 7: D2

String 6: A2

String 5: B2

String 4: D3

String 3: F4#

String 2: A3

String 1: D4