Guest Posted January 6, 2001 Share Posted January 6, 2001 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Bob Posted January 6, 2001 Share Posted January 6, 2001 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave251 Posted January 6, 2001 Share Posted January 6, 2001 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lrbreez Posted January 7, 2001 Share Posted January 7, 2001 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lrbreez Posted January 13, 2001 Share Posted January 13, 2001 I found this website on lap steel tunings. There were more than I thought. http://www.well.com/user/wellvis/tuning.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 13, 2001 Share Posted January 13, 2001 Guys, thanks for the help and info. This site rules. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Bob Posted January 14, 2001 Share Posted January 14, 2001 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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