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#1333046 - 01/06/01 01:47 AM Lap Steel
Anonymous Unregistered



What is the most common tuning for a lap steel? I have a friend in college that would like to know, but doesn't have time to search the web for info. Can anyone help?
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#1333047 - 01/06/01 03:24 AM Re: Lap Steel
Sir Bob
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Registered: 03/25/00
Posts: 310
Loc: Altadena, California

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Depends on what you are going for. I have heard it tuned to the same open tuning as a guitar: G, D and E; but I think for country there is a tuning to a chord possibly a 6th for a swing sound. Please help me here.
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#1333048 - 01/06/01 01:54 PM Re: Lap Steel
dave251
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Registered: 09/04/00
Posts: 854
Loc: Lawrence KS

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There are two basic tunings...the "E"...
(highest pitch to lowest)...A "D" tuning can be used by just transposing down a whole step...

1st: E
2nd: B
3rd: G#
4rh: E
5th: B
6th: E

The "double G" or "double A"(just transpose up a step)....

1st: D
2nd: B
3rd: G
4th: D
5th: B
6th: G

For example, "Steel Guitar Rag" is based on the "E" tuning....the "double G" is the common Dobro tuning for bluegrass and old time country. The "double A" could be used for bluegrass and blues.
_________________________
Dave

Wendler Instruments

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#1333049 - 01/07/01 09:57 AM Re: Lap Steel
lrbreez
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Registered: 04/08/00
Posts: 675
Loc: Walnut, CA, USA

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Lap steel uses a 6th in the tuning, an E 6th tuning. I think that the second string is the 6th (C sharp). Thar's how you bet that Hank Williams' lap steel sound.
Buddy
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#1333050 - 01/13/01 04:42 AM Re: Lap Steel
lrbreez
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Registered: 04/08/00
Posts: 675
Loc: Walnut, CA, USA

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I found this website on lap steel tunings. There were more than I thought. http://www.well.com/user/wellvis/tuning.html
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#1333051 - 01/13/01 01:46 PM Re: Lap Steel
Anonymous Unregistered



Guys, thanks for the help and info. This site rules.
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#1333052 - 01/13/01 07:25 PM Re: Lap Steel
Sir Bob
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Registered: 03/25/00
Posts: 310
Loc: Altadena, California

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I saw Dave Alvin last night and guy in his band, Rick Shey, said he tunes his lap guitar to E or D for blues and to A6 for country.
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