need help in tuning

[Larry Black]

I have a six string lap, simply need help in tuning it, do you start with the wound strings like a regular guitar at the sixth fret, get you key and go from there or how do you start?
Thanks for any input

[Brad Bechtel]

Depending on which tuning you are using, many of the strings are tuned the same as on a standard guitar.

For example, I'll compare two common tunings to the standard guitar tuning.

Standard guitar

1. E
2. B
3. G
4. D
5. A
6. E

Open E:

1. E
2. B
3. G# (raised one half step)
4. E (raised one whole step)
5. B (raised one whole step)
6. E

Open G:

1. D (lowered one whole step)
2. B
3. G
4. D
5. B (raised one whole step)
6. G (raised one and a half steps)

Another common tuning, C6th/Am7, requires different strings because of the difference in pitch between this tuning and standard guitar tuning.

C6th/Am7:

1. E
2. C (raised one half step)
3. A (raised one whole step)
4. G (raised four whole steps)
5. E (raised four whole steps)
6. C (raised six whole steps)

As you can see, without lighter strings on the bottom strings, you'd probably snap the string before it got up to pitch.

Click on the Strings link at the top of this page to see which pre-made string sets are available for sale through the SGF.

[Edward Meisse]

I start with the 1st string which I tune to E. But this is because I'm currently using a tuning fork (E) to get my pitch. If I were using the more ususal tuning fork (A), I would start with the 3rd string which I tune to A. If I were using the even more ususal electronic tuner, it wouldn't matter where I started. But I would probably start on the 1st string. Just my personal preference.

Note: When I played standard guitar I had an A tuning fork. So I began with the 5th string.

[Dean Salisbury]

I am a beginner to the lap top. So think I know how you feel. Never really tuned to anything different while playing a standard guitar. Coming to a steel was a new ball game. I first ordered dvds from GeorgeBoard! His material is in C6 tuning totally new to me, Then I ordered Rick Alexander's material his material is in A6 tuning.

A6 tuning
HIGH to low
E C# A F# E C#
1 2 3 4 5 6

C6 tuning

HIGH TO LOW
C6 tuning
E C A G E C
1 2 3 4 5 6

Suggestion if you are going to order educational material, find out what tuning the teacher will be teaching in and tune to that tuning!

Might make your life easier!

No matter what tuning you tune to in the beginning Im sure you will change. I started in C6 and now Im in A6. Hope that helps ya out a little


Dean

[Carroll Hale]

I am also new to lap and c6 tuning(C E G A C E)
....use my electronic tuner for the..E, G A E....how do you tune the C....I just tune to the other strings with the bar.....is this ok or is there a better way......????????help....

[Steinar Gregertsen]

Carroll, it sounds like you have a regular guitar tuner which is preset to a standard guitar tuning, and not a chromatic one. A chromatic tuner will let you tune to any note you wish, so perhaps you should get one of those.

Steinar

[Carroll Hale]

yes, that is a good idea...what do those types cost..not sure to go that way, but it does seem reasonable.....so far, I have not had problems, but it does take more time.....I have noticed that the C registers as "B" + a few "minutes to the right of center" ...based on the reading from a C played at another position....guess will do in a pinch....
this sounds ok to me, but I am sure there are easier and more precise ways to tune...still in a learning mode....been playing open G on dobro a while, so C6 (playing and tuning) is a new challenge..thanks to all the good folks on sgf for all the helpful suggestions I may learn to play it before I die....if I live to be a ripe old age...

[Edward Meisse]

I bought a brand new Korg Chromatic tuner yesterday for about $30.00.