Tuning Overview: Alternative D6 / Bm7 Lap Steel Tuning

This unique tuning, originally described as "d6 al", is a fantastic alternative D6/Bm7 configuration specifically designed for lap steel guitars. It's built for effortless playability, making it perfect for strumming with a straight bar. The open string arrangement provides immediate access to rich D Major, B Minor, B Minor 7, and D6 chords, making it incredibly forgiving and versatile across both major and minor key contexts. Its design makes it "nearly impossible to hit a sour chord," which is a significant advantage for both beginners and experienced players looking for a harmonious sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning, from low to high, are D2 B2 D3 F#4 A3 D4. This arrangement inherently forms a rich D6 chord (D - F# - A - B) across multiple octaves, with the low D acting as a solid root. While the notes ascend in general, there's an interesting drop in pitch from the high F#4 on the 3rd string to A3 on the 2nd string (a descent of 6 semitones), followed by an ascent to D4 on the 1st string. This non-linear melodic contour adds to the tuning's unique harmonic spread. This structure allows for natural resonance with D Major, B Minor, B Minor 7, and D6 voicings, providing a sweet and consonant sound palette across the fretboard, especially when using a straight bar.

How to Tune

To achieve the Alternative D6 / Bm7 Lap Steel Tuning from standard EADGBe guitar tuning, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

All string movements for this tuning are within generally safe ranges (below 4 semitones up or down) for standard guitar string gauges, ensuring stability and playability without requiring specialized strings.

String 6: D2

String 5: B2

String 4: D3

String 3: F#4

String 2: A3

String 1: D4