Tuning Analysis: 7 String D6 Lap Steel

This tuning, specifically designed for a 7-string lap steel guitar, presents a highly versatile sound palette rooted in a D6 chord. It's explicitly described as being excellent for both major and minor blues, a claim well-supported by its open string voicings.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to D2, A2, D3, F#4, A3, B3, and D4. This arrangement provides a rich, full D6 chord (D-F#-A-B) right across the open strings. The repetition of D and A notes across different octaves provides a strong fundamental and fifth, creating a powerful resonance. The inclusion of B3 specifically forms the 6th, giving the tuning its characteristic D6 sound. This open string configuration is particularly beneficial for slide playing, allowing for full chordal sweeps with ease.

What makes this tuning particularly adaptable for blues, as noted in the original description, is its inherent ability to also form a B minor 7 (B-D-F#-A) chord on the open strings. This dual harmonic nature means that with minimal effort, you can evoke both bright, major blues progressions and more melancholic, minor-key blues feels simply by emphasizing different note combinations or slide positions. This makes it a fantastic choice for players looking to explore various blues styles without constant re-tuning. The layout with multiple D and A notes also facilitates easy access to inversions and harmonized lines along the fretboard, especially when playing slide guitar, making complex voicings surprisingly accessible.

How to Tune Your 7-String Lap Steel to D6

Achieving this tuning requires several significant adjustments from a standard guitar tuning. Please observe the recommended string movements carefully to ensure proper tension and tone. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is strongly advised to prevent string breakage or excessive tension on your instrument.

• 7th String (D2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• 6th String (A2): Tune up 5 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string may be advisable.)
• 5th String (D3): Tune up 5 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string may be advisable.)
• 4th String (F#4): Tune up 4 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a notable adjustment; consider a different gauge string for optimal performance and safety.)
• 3rd String (A3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• 2nd String (B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

Here are the notes for each string in the 7 String D6 tuning, from lowest (7th string) to highest (1st string):

• String 7: D2
• String 6: A2
• String 5: D3
• String 4: F#4
• String 3: A3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D4