Tuning Analysis: lapsteel folk Amaj

This tuning, affectionately known as "lapsteel folk Amaj," is a vibrant open tuning primarily designed for slide guitar styles, reminiscent of Weissenborn or Dobro tunings. It's a delightful variation on A major, perfect for adding a rich, resonant texture to folk, blues, country, and Hawaiian music.

Verbal Description

Imagine a full, shimmering A major chord that you can play just by strumming all open strings. That's the essence of this tuning! The lower strings provide a deep, grounding bass, while the higher strings offer bright, clear melodic possibilities. It's designed for ease of playing with a slide, allowing you to effortlessly glide through major chords and explore expressive melodies. The "folk" aspect comes alive with its earthy resonance, making it incredibly versatile for songwriting and improvisation.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2-A2-A2-E3-A3-C5#. Breaking this down:

• The core of the tuning is an A Major chord (A-C#-E).
• The notes present are A (A2, A2, A3), E (E2, E3), and C# (C5#).
• This arrangement creates a full-bodied A Major voicing across the instrument, with a strong emphasis on the root (A) and the fifth (E).
• The lowest string (E2) provides a powerful sub-bass note, creating an A major chord with an E in the bass (A/E or A-major 2nd inversion).
• The double A (A2, A3) and E (E2, E3) strings contribute to a thick, resonant sound, ideal for sustaining notes and chords.
• The high C5# on the first string adds a sparkling major third, ensuring clarity for lead lines and melodic embellishments.

Because of its open A major structure, simply barring across any fret will yield a major chord in that key (e.g., barring at the 5th fret gives a D Major chord). This greatly simplifies chord playing for slide guitar. Minor chords and other voicings can be achieved with specific slant bar techniques or by dampening certain strings.

How to Tune to lapsteel folk Amaj

To achieve the lapsteel folk Amaj tuning from standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension if this is a permanent tuning, as movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down are advised for a different gauge.)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#. (Note: Tuning a standard high E string (E4) down 3 semitones would typically result in C#4. To reach C5#, an octave higher, may require a very light gauge string or a starting string pitched significantly higher than a standard E string.)

Always tune carefully and check string tension. If you're unsure, consult a professional luthier.

Tuning Notes

Here are the specific notes for each string, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

String 6 (Low E): E2
String 5 (A): A2
String 4 (D): A2
String 3 (G): E3
String 2 (B): A3
String 1 (High E): C5#