Tuning Analysis: Bm7 (D6) Lap Steel

This unique tuning, aptly named 'Bm7 (D6) Lap Steel', was originally conceived for a six-string lap steel and provides exceptional versatility and ease of play. As highlighted by its creator, it's specifically designed to make complex harmonies accessible, allowing you to form a wide array of chords—including major, minor, minor 7ths, and 6ths—simply by using a straight bar. This makes it an incredibly efficient and expressive tuning for various musical styles.

Technical Breakdown:

The open strings for this tuning are (from low to high): F#3, B2, D3, F#4, A3, D4. When analyzed, this configuration reveals a rich harmonic structure, giving the tuning its dual name:

• Bm7 Voicing: If we consider B as the root, the open strings spell out B, D, F#, A, D, F#. This forms a B minor 7th chord (B - D - F# - A) with octave doublings of the minor 3rd (D) and perfect 5th (F#). This provides a melancholic yet full sound directly from the open strings, allowing for immediate access to minor 7th harmonies.
• D6 Voicing: Alternatively, when D is considered the root (typically the 4th string), the open strings reveal D, F#, A, B, D, F#. This configuration is a D Major 6th chord (D - F# - A - B), again with octave doublings. The presence of the Major 6th (B) adds a sophisticated, open quality, making X6 chords readily available.

The dual nature of this open tuning (both Bm7 and D6) is its core strength, enabling a vast range of musical possibilities. By using a straight bar, you can effortlessly transpose these complex voicings up and down the fretboard, making minor 7th chords, Major 6th chords, and other related harmonies readily available. This makes it particularly effective for genres such as blues, jazz, and country where these chord types are commonly employed for their expressive qualities.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Bm7 (D6) Lap Steel' tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string. All string movements are within a range where standard gauge strings should generally perform well; however, always exercise caution when tuning strings up, especially if your guitar has been previously set up for a significantly lower tension.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

The final notes for the 'Bm7 (D6) Lap Steel' tuning, from the lowest string (6th) to the highest string (1st), are:

6th String: F#3
5th String: B2
4th String: D3
3rd String: F#4
2nd String: A3
1st String: D4