Lap steel guitar uses a variety of tunings that open up completely different chord voicings and playing styles. Instead of sticking to one standard setup, players choose a tuning based on the sound they’re after.
Most lap steel tunings are built around open chords like C6, A6, E13, or E7. That’s what gives the instrument its smooth, expressive sound and makes it so versatile across styles like Hawaiian, Western swing, country, and blues.
Knowing the most common tunings makes it easier to find a setup that actually feels right and works for the style you’re playing.
If you want to see all of these laid out in one place, check out our lap steel tuning chart.
What Makes Lap Steel Tunings Different
Lap steel isn’t set up like a standard guitar. Instead of tuning to E A D G B E, most lap steel tunings are built so the open strings form a full chord.
That’s what lets you play chords and harmonies just by moving the bar up and down the strings.
Because of that, different tunings completely change how the instrument feels. Some lean more toward chords, others toward melody, and some give you a balance of both.
Most Popular Lap Steel Tunings
There are a handful of tunings that show up again and again. Each one has its own feel and works better for certain styles.
C6 Lap Steel Tuning
C E G A C E
C6 is one of the most widely used lap steel tunings and a great place to start.
It gives you a balanced mix of chords and melody, which is why it’s so common in Hawaiian music and Western swing. You can move between chord shapes easily while still having room for melodic playing.
This is the tuning most players end up sticking with because it covers so much ground.
A6 Lap Steel Tuning
C# E F# A C# E
A6 is closely related to C6, just centered around a different root.
It has a similar smooth feel but sits a little differently on the instrument. A lot of players like it for the way chords connect across the neck.
If you like the sound of C6 but want something slightly different, A6 is a natural next step.
E13 Lap Steel Tuning
E G# B C# E G# D
E13 is where things start to open up a bit more.
It adds more color to your chords, especially for country and swing styles. You get access to dominant sounds that aren’t as easy to reach in simpler tunings.
It takes a little more time to get comfortable with, but once it clicks, it gives you a lot more range.
E7 Lap Steel Tuning
B D E G# B E
E7 is one of the older steel guitar tunings and is still used a lot today.
It has a strong, bluesy feel and works well for more traditional styles. If you’re focused on simple chord movement and expressive playing, this is a solid option.
Comparing the Most Common Lap Steel Tunings
If you’re not sure where to start, here’s a simple way to think about the most common tunings:
• C6 – best all-around option for chords and melody
• A6 – similar feel to C6 with a slightly different layout
• E13 – more advanced, adds extended chord options
• E7 – simpler, blues-focused and more traditional sounding
Each tuning changes how the neck feels, so trying a few is the best way to figure out what fits your style.
Why String Choice Matters for Lap Steel
Each of these tunings puts different tension on the strings, and that changes how the instrument feels.
If the tension isn’t right, some strings will feel too loose while others feel too tight. When that happens, the bar doesn’t sit evenly, and it becomes harder to keep things clean and controlled.
That’s why many players use string sets designed specifically for lap steel instead of standard electric guitar strings.
If you want help choosing the right setup, take a look at our guide on best strings for lap steel guitar.
Why Semi-Flat Strings Work Well for Lap Steel
With lap steel, the bar is constantly moving across the strings, so string surface matters more than it does on a regular guitar.
Smoother strings help reduce noise and make slides feel more controlled without losing clarity.
That’s where semi-flat wound strings come in. They sit between round wound and flat wound strings, giving you a smoother feel while still keeping enough bite for clear tone and sustain.
S.I.T. Scotty’s Non-Pedal / Lap Steel Guitar Strings use this semi-flat design, which helps keep things clean while still giving you strong definition and response.
Choosing the Right Lap Steel Tuning
The best tuning really comes down to what you want to play.
C6 and A6 are great for players who want a mix of chords and melody, especially in Hawaiian or Western swing styles.
E7 and E13 lean more toward blues, country, and traditional steel sounds, where those dominant tones really stand out.
The best thing you can do is spend some time with one tuning and see how it feels. Once you find something that clicks, everything else starts to make more sense.
Tips for Getting Started
If you’re just getting into lap steel, start with one tuning and stick with it for a bit.
C6 is usually the easiest place to begin because it gives you a little bit of everything.
As you get more comfortable, trying other tunings can open up new sounds and ways of playing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lap Steel Tunings
What is the most common lap steel tuning?
C6 is one of the most widely used lap steel tunings because it offers a good balance between chord playing and melody.
What tuning should beginners start with?
Most beginners start with C6 because it’s versatile and relatively easy to learn compared to more complex tunings.
Do different tunings require different strings?
Yes. Different tunings change the tension across the strings, so using strings designed for lap steel helps keep everything balanced and easier to play.
Can I use regular guitar strings on lap steel?
You can, but they’re not always ideal. Lap steel tunings often work better with string sets designed specifically for the instrument.
Are lap steel tunings the same for 6-string and 8-string guitars?
Some tunings carry over, but 8-string lap steels usually expand on them to add more chord tones and range.
You can see both 6-string and 8-string setups in our lap steel tuning chart.
Final Thoughts
Lap steel tunings are a big part of what makes the instrument unique.
Each one changes how the guitar feels and responds, so finding the right tuning is just as important as choosing the right strings.
Start simple, spend some time with it, and build from there. Once it clicks, it opens up a completely different way of playing.
