This unique 7-string tuning, aptly named "7 string FM7," is specifically crafted for lap steel guitars and presents a rich harmonic foundation. It's an excellent choice for a wide array of musical styles, demonstrating particular versatility for both major and minor blues. As described, the tuning skillfully integrates an F major tonality on the lower strings with an A minor tonality on the upper strings, culminating in an overall F major 7th voicing that resonates across the entire instrument.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned as follows, from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st):

• 7th String: F2
• 6th String: A2
• 5th String: C3
• 4th String: F3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: E4

This specific arrangement of notes creates a layered and complex chord structure. The lowest four strings (F2-A2-C3-F3) immediately establish a clear F major triad, with the F note doubled for a fuller sound. Progressing to the higher strings, the top three (A3-C4-E4) form an A minor triad, demonstrating the tuning's dual harmonic nature. When all seven strings are played open, the combined notes F-A-C-F-A-C-E produce a full F Major 7th chord (Fmaj7), offering a sophisticated open sonority. The intervals between adjacent strings are notably conducive to melodic and harmonic exploration:

• String 7 (F2) to String 6 (A2): Major 3rd
• String 6 (A2) to String 5 (C3): Minor 3rd
• String 5 (C3) to String 4 (F3): Perfect 4th
• String 4 (F3) to String 3 (A3): Major 3rd
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (C4): Minor 3rd
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (E4): Major 3rd

The prevalence of major and minor third intervals (M3, m3) on most adjacent strings (with the exception of the Perfect 4th between C3 and F3) means that many chord shapes become incredibly accessible. Barring across different frets will effortlessly yield various inversions and extensions of Fmaj7, Am, and Cmaj7 chords. The repeating F-A-C pattern (found in strings 7-6-5 and 4-3-2) simplifies movement between octaves and makes it straightforward to create rich, full voicings, especially beneficial for blues and jazz compositions where dense harmonies are often desired.

How to Tune

Important Note on String Gauges: Please exercise extreme caution when tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones. For such significant pitch changes, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge better suited to the new tension to avoid string breakage and ensure optimal tone and playability. Follow these instructions carefully from the lowest to the highest string:

• 7th String: Tune your 7th string to F2 by tuning it up 6 semitones. (This is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string for safety and tone.)
• 6th String: Tune your 6th string to A2 by tuning it up 5 semitones. (This is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string for safety and tone.)
• 5th String: Tune your 5th string to C3 by tuning it up 3 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune your 4th string to F3 by tuning it up 3 semitones.
• 3rd String: Tune your 3rd string to A3 by tuning it up 2 semitones.
• 2nd String: Tune your 2nd string to C4 by tuning it up 1 semitone.
• 1st String: Tune your 1st string to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

The open string notes for this tuning are as follows, listed from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 7th String: F2
• 6th String: A2
• 5th String: C3
• 4th String: F3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: E4