The "G7 Reentrant" tuning is specifically designed for a 7-string lap steel guitar, embodying a classic Blues tuning. This tuning stands out with its reentrant nature, meaning that the strings do not strictly follow a low-to-high pitch order. As described, it's a setup well-suited for the unique demands of lap steel, allowing for fluid slides and rich harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis: Open String Voicing

The open strings are tuned to F2, D2, G2, D3, G3, B3, D4. When arranged by pitch from lowest to highest, these notes are D2, F2, G2, D3, G3, B3, D4. This arrangement clearly outlines a G7 chord (G-B-D-F), with D serving as the bass note (effectively a G7/D chord). The multiple occurrences of D and G notes provide a rich, full sound, while the inclusion of the F2 (the minor seventh of G) and B3 (the major third of G) directly gives it its dominant 7th character. This open tuning immediately offers a powerful G7 chord, making it an excellent foundation for blues progressions and lead playing.

The reentrant aspect is notable, with the F2 being a relatively low note among the strings, lower than the B3 on String 2. This allows for interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities, enabling the player to easily voice intervals and chords that might be more challenging in standard tunings. Open position slides across all strings will naturally produce other dominant 7th chords, providing a versatile framework for blues, country, and Hawaiian styles.

How to Tune

To achieve the G7 Reentrant tuning, follow these adjustments for each string. Please note that significant changes (exceeding 4 semitones up or down) may require a different string gauge to ensure optimal tone and string longevity, and to prevent potential string breakage or excessive tension.

• String 7: Tune up 6 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 6 semitones is a substantial change. Consider a heavier gauge string to accommodate the increased tension and ensure stability.)
• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5: Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1: Tune down 2 semitones.

String 7: F2

String 6: D2

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: D4