Tuning Analysis: A#add9 Lap Steel

This unique tuning, known as A#add9 for Lap Steel, is designed to offer a distinct tonal palette, moving away from conventional straight bar chords to prioritize close melodic runs and specific harmonic voicings. As described, it may not lend itself to a wide array of typical bar chords, but its strength lies in its ability to facilitate nuanced melodic play and specific chordal textures.

Verbal Description

The open strings present a rich and complex sound, centered around an A#add9 chord with a strong F bass. The lowest string provides a deep F growl, creating a powerful foundation. The middle strings allow for a quick formation of an Fsus4 chord (F, A#, C), which can be extended to an F6sus4 by including the first string (F, A#, C, D). This versatile middle section is ideal for creating sustained, evocative harmonies. Across all strings, the tuning resolves to an A#add9 voicing (A#, C, D, F), giving it a bright yet full character perfect for expressive slide work and intricate melodic phrasing.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are:

• 6th String: F2
• 5th String: A#3
• 4th String: F3
• 3rd String: A#4
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: D4

When played open, these notes collectively form an A#add9 chord (A#, C, D, F). Specifically, it features:

• A# (root) on the 5th and 3rd strings (with octave).
• C (major 2nd or added 9th) on the 2nd string.
• D (major 3rd) on the 1st string.
• F (perfect 5th) on the 6th and 4th strings (with octave).

This configuration naturally lays out a full A#add9 chord, providing a rich harmonic canvas for slide guitar. The duplicate F notes (F2 and F3) reinforce the bass and provide a strong foundation, while the A# octaves (A#3 and A#4) add brilliance. The close proximity of notes like F3, A#3, C4, D4, A#4 across the middle strings indeed makes it very conducive for fluid melodic runs and subtle chord embellishments with a slide.

How to Tune Your Guitar to A#add9 Lap Steel Tuning

To achieve the A#add9 Lap Steel tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e, follow these steps. Please note the specific semitone adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
  (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones requires some care, ensure your strings are in good condition.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 3 semitones to A#4.
  (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones requires some care, ensure your strings are in good condition.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

For strings that require tuning movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down (which none do in this specific tuning, but it's a general guideline), it is often advisable to consider a different gauge string to prevent undue tension or slack and ensure optimal playability and string longevity. Always tune carefully and check string tension.