This is the "D6 for 7 string lap steel" tuning, described as an alternate D6 (Bm7) tuning specifically for a 7-string lap steel guitar. This open tuning creates a rich harmonic foundation, making it versatile for various musical genres.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes for this 7-string lap steel tuning, from the lowest pitch string (String 7) to the highest pitch string (String 1), are:

• String 7: F#3
• String 6: A2
• String 5: D3
• String 4: F#4
• String 3: A3
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D4

When strummed open, these notes collectively form a D6 chord (D, F#, A, B) or its relative minor, Bm7 (B, D, F#, A). The specific voicing across the strings provides a full and resonant sound. This setup is ideal for lap steel players, allowing for easy barre chord shapes across the neck to transpose the D6/Bm7 harmony to any key. The intervals present offer both major and minor harmonic possibilities, providing a strong tonal center for improvisation and melodic playing, particularly suited for jazz, blues, and Hawaiian styles.

How to Tune:

To achieve this D6 (Bm7) tuning, carefully adjust your strings as follows. Please note that significant tension changes (tuning up or down more than 4 semitones) might require a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and string longevity.

• String 7 (lowest): Tune up 7 semitones to F#3. (Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones is a significant increase in tension; consider a lighter gauge string if this is a permanent change.)
• String 6: Tune up 5 semitones to A2. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension; consider a lighter gauge string if this is a permanent change.)
• String 5: Tune up 5 semitones to D3. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension; consider a lighter gauge string if this is a permanent change.)
• String 4: Tune up 4 semitones to F#4. (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a notable increase in tension; consider a lighter gauge string if this is a permanent change.)
• String 3: Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (highest): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

String 7: F#3

String 6: A2

String 5: D3

String 4: F#4

String 3: A3

String 2: B3

String 1: D4