8 String Lap Steel

Overview

Tuning Steps

Sweetened Tunings

Products

More Info

Discuss

8 String Lap Steel | Peterson Strobe Tuners
Tuning 8 String Lap Steel, 6 String Lap Steel, 10 String Lap Steel & 12 String Lap Steel
The lap steel guitar is usually tuned to open tunings, A6 or C6 - or several tunings in the case of a double or triple neck instrument, but there are many other tunings. The most common lap steel guitars have 6 strings, followed by 8 string instruments which is the choice of many professionals, 6 & 8 stringed instruments have been very popular since the 1940s and 1950s, 10, 12, and even 14 stringed instruments are also not uncommon.

The lap steel guitar is very versatile and it is possible to generate many triads and altered chords at the slide or slant of a bar. Many seasoned professional steel players “tweak” the tuning to improve their sound; we call this “Sweetened Tuning”.

Because the steel guitar is a fretless instrument, it does not need to conform to the same compromises as regular fretted guitar is subjected to. The flaws of Equal temperament reveal themselves primarilly when major or minor thirds are played, and the long sustained tones produced by the lap steel guitar show up these flaws more than pretty much any other instrument, many players aim and strive to eliminate these flaws by tuning their steels using special cent offsets for each string to take advantage of the sweetness of these intervals and tune them so that they are totally beat-less and consonant.

No matter what method you use, an accurate tuner is a necessity. Peterson Tuners have been used for many decades to tune the open strings, on lap steel guitars, they are programmable and already feature several preset tuning settings for steel guitars using already established and accepted systems like Just intonation. There is no need to note any settings or use any charts.

Begin with C6 tuning. The first string, if you’re right-handed, is located furthest away from you when sitting with the steel in your lap - the normal playing position, plug your tuner into the steel and select the LC6 preset.

  1. Pluck to sound the 1st string and observe the tuner display, check that the note “E” is displayed. With your left hand, adjust the tuning peg to stop the strobe pattern image from moving contuously in any one direction, continue to adjust until the strobe pattern is motionless.
  2. Repeat the above for the 2nd, 3rd, 4th , 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th strings until all strings are tuned.
= Standard Tuning
G4
= G in the 4th octave

8 String Lap Steel

I Play This

6 String Lap Steel

I Play This

10 String Lap Steel

I Play This

12 String Lap Steel

I Play This

F#2 A2 C#3 E3 F#3 A3 C#4 E4

A6 Tuning (Herb Remington)

C3 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4

C6 Tuning (DeWitt Scott)

F1 A1 C2 E2 G2 A2 C3 E3 G3 D4

C6 Tuning (Billy Robinson)

D1 F1 A1 C2 E2 G2 A2 C3 E3 G3 B3 D4

C6 (Reece Anderson)

B2 D3 E3 G#3 B3 C#4 E4 G#4

E13 Tuning (Don Helms)

E2 A2 E3 A3 C#4 E4

Hawaiian A Tuning

E2 D3 E3 F#3 G#3 B3 C#4 E4 F#4 G#4

E13 Tuning (Tom Morell)

E2 G#2 D3 F#3 G#3 B3 C#4 E4

E13 Tuning (Leon McAuliffe)

A2 C#3 F#3 A3 C#4 E4

A6 Tuning

C#3 E3 F3 F#3 G3 G#3 A3 B3 C#4 E4

E Harp (Eddie Alkire)

C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 A3 B3 C4

C Diatonic (Jerry Byrd)

A#2 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4

C13 Tuning

B1 D2 E2 F#2 G#2 B2 C#3 E3 G#3 F#4

E6 Tuning

B2 A2 C#3 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4

C6/A7 Tuning (Joaquin Murphey)

E2 A2 E3 A3 C#4 E4

Open A Tuning

E2 G#2 B2 D3 E3 G#3 B3 D4 E4 G#4

E7 Tuning

G#2 B2 D3 E3 F#3 G#3 B3 E4

E9 Tuning

D2 A2 D3 F#3 A3 D4

Open D Tuning

A1 D2 F#2 A2 C#3 E3 F#3 A3 C#4 E4

A6 Tuning

G2 A2 C#3 E3 F#3 A3 C#4 E4

A13 Tuning

E2 B2 E3 G#3 B3 E4

Open E Tuning

D2 G2 D3 G3 B3 D4

Open G Tuning

E2 D3 E3 G#3 B3 E4

E7 Tuning

8 String Lap Steel

I Play This

F#2 A2 C#3 E3 F#3 A3 C#4 E4

A6 Tuning (Herb Remington)

B2 D3 E3 G#3 B3 C#4 E4 G#4

E13 Tuning (Don Helms)

E2 G#2 D3 F#3 G#3 B3 C#4 E4

E13 Tuning (Leon McAuliffe)

C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 A3 B3 C4

C Diatonic (Jerry Byrd)

B2 A2 C#3 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4

C6/A7 Tuning (Joaquin Murphey)

G#2 B2 D3 E3 F#3 G#3 B3 E4

E9 Tuning

G2 A2 C#3 E3 F#3 A3 C#4 E4

A13 Tuning

6 String Lap Steel

I Play This

C3 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4

C6 Tuning (DeWitt Scott)

E2 A2 E3 A3 C#4 E4

Hawaiian A Tuning

A2 C#3 F#3 A3 C#4 E4

A6 Tuning

A#2 E3 G3 A3 C4 E4

C13 Tuning

E2 A2 E3 A3 C#4 E4

Open A Tuning

D2 A2 D3 F#3 A3 D4

Open D Tuning

E2 B2 E3 G#3 B3 E4

Open E Tuning

D2 G2 D3 G3 B3 D4

Open G Tuning

E2 D3 E3 G#3 B3 E4

E7 Tuning

10 String Lap Steel

I Play This

F1 A1 C2 E2 G2 A2 C3 E3 G3 D4

C6 Tuning (Billy Robinson)

E2 D3 E3 F#3 G#3 B3 C#4 E4 F#4 G#4

E13 Tuning (Tom Morell)

C#3 E3 F3 F#3 G3 G#3 A3 B3 C#4 E4

E Harp (Eddie Alkire)

B1 D2 E2 F#2 G#2 B2 C#3 E3 G#3 F#4

E6 Tuning

E2 G#2 B2 D3 E3 G#3 B3 D4 E4 G#4

E7 Tuning

A1 D2 F#2 A2 C#3 E3 F#3 A3 C#4 E4

A6 Tuning

12 String Lap Steel

I Play This

D1 F1 A1 C2 E2 G2 A2 C3 E3 G3 B3 D4

C6 (Reece Anderson)

Unlike other tuners which offer no alternative to generic Equal Temperament, Peterson Tuners contain many choices of “Sweetness“, in other words, several degrees of harmony or consonance in a tuning preset. The Sweetener feature is exclusive to Peterson Tuners and there is one for almost any musical instrument.
In the case of the Lap Steel Guitar Sweeteners (the presets are called LA6 & LC6), these additional “tweaks” allow the instrument to sound harmonious and consonant as only an expertly tuned instrument can. Some call it “voicing” or optimizing the quality of tone produced by the instrument. Using a Sweetener is simple – your Peterson tuner does the work for you.

E13
Peterson Lap Steel Sweetener
E13
Peterson Lap Steel Sweetener
C13
Peterson Sweetener for 6-String Lap Steel
LA6
Peterson A6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar.
LC6
Peterson C6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar.
LE6
Peterson E6 Sweetened Tuning for Lap Steel Guitar
LE6
Peterson E6 Sweetened Tuning for Lap Steel Guitar
LE7
Peterson E7 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar
LE7
Peterson E7 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar
PA6
Peterson A6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar.
PA6E
Peterson A6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar.
PC6
Peterson C6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar.
PC6E
Peterson C6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar
PE6
Peterson E6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar.
PE6E
Peterson E6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar
OPB
Open B Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OPA
Open A Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OPC
Open C Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OPD
Open D Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OPE
Open E Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OPF
Open F Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OPG
Open G Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OAM
Open A Minor Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OBM
Open B Minor Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OCM
Open C Minor Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
ODM
Open D Minor Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OEM
Open E Minor Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OFM
Open F Minor Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
OGM
Open G Minor Tuning - for 6 String Guitar
LA6
Peterson A6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar.
LC6
Peterson C6 Sweetener for Lap Steel Guitar.
 The Peterson StroboClip HD™ (SC-HD) has the same tenth-of-a-cent accuracy as all Peterson Strobe Tuners. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboClip HDC

$79.99

The Peterson StroboClip HD™ (SC-HD) has the same tenth-of-a-cent accuracy as all Peterson Strobe Tuners. This versatile tuner comes complete with a bright high-definition screen, over 50 Sweetened™ tunings, alternate temperaments for a vast array of string and wind instruments, and soft rubber-lined jaws to protect your instrument's finish while offering a firm grip for maximum signal tracking.
MORE

0

0

 For over 75 years, Peterson has been trusted by some of the biggest names on stage and in the studio as the standard in tuning precision. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboStomp Mini

$119.00

For over 75 years, Peterson has been trusted by some of the biggest names on stage and in the studio as the standard in tuning precision. The StroboStomp Mini™ delivers the unmatched 0.1 cent tuning accuracy of all authentic Peterson Strobe Tuners in a mini pedal tuner format. Featuring a high-definition LCD strobe display with variable LED color backlight, your instruments will never sound more in tune. A pop-less true bypass mode and a buffered output mode place you in command of your precious tone without compromise. With over 130 exclusive Sweetened Tunings® and Guided Tunings on-board, you'll be able to dial in your sound and tune like the pros!
MORE

0

0

 Featuring the largest tuning display Peterson Tuners has ever incorporated into one of their pedal tuners, the StroboStomp HD boasts a high-definition, LCD screen that incorporates a variable color LED backlight. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboStomp LE

$169.00

Featuring the largest tuning display Peterson Tuners has ever incorporated into one of their pedal tuners, the StroboStomp HD boasts a high-definition, LCD screen that incorporates a variable color LED backlight. The user-selectable colors can be used to personalize the tuner or to increase display viewing quality in different levels of ambient lighting depending on the usage environment. The vibrant screen colors can also be assigned to stock or user presets to significantly reduce menu navigation time and increase on-stage tuning confidence at the gig. For tone purists, the StroboStomp HD provides a 100% silent, true-bypass operation mode to keep precious tone safe, as well as, eliminate the often annoying “pop” experienced when engaging such a feature in other products. It uses a unique series of timed relays incorporated within its circuitry to shunt the signal, draining the cause of the popping sound prior to breaking the connection, and effectively shutting the tuner down for direct play through without affecting tone quality. The StroboStomp HD also includes a long-time, user-requested buffered output operation mode that can be user engaged. The buffered mode can be used in or out of monitor mode. It is designed to boost instrument drive to overcome potential tone loss in signal chains that incorporate multiple low-impedance guitar pedals or those that utilize long cable runs. The buffered output modes preserve sonic quality all through the instrument range and keep prized core tone intact. The StroboStomp HD features over 100 exclusive Sweetened Tunings™, as well as, numbered guided tuning presets for a large variety of instruments and playing styles. Sweetened Tunings are exclusive to Peterson tuning products and are designed to help correct inherent tuning issues exhibited by many instruments. The new "Guided Tunings" mode allows the StroboStomp HD to display numeric string values instead of traditional note names making for sure-fire intuitive and rapid re-tuning to any number of open and alternative tunings. The Guided Tuning mode was instituted for beginners who want to experiment with popular alternate tunings, as well as, experienced players who employ multiple tunings in rapid succession. Numerically expressed scales are also included.
MORE

0

0

 The StroboPLUS HDC encompasses decades of tuning authority and technology to deliver the ultimate strobe tuner/metronome combo!

The StroboPLUS HDC’s 0. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboPLUS HDC

$179.99

The StroboPLUS HDC encompasses decades of tuning authority and technology to deliver the ultimate strobe tuner/metronome combo! The StroboPLUS HDC’s 0.1 cent tuning accuracy will tune any instrument with the utmost precision. Featuring a high-definition, multi-color display with variable color LED backlight, the StroboPLUS HDC display can be seen easily across the stage, bench, studio or classroom. Over 200 exclusive Sweetened Tunings® and Guided Tunings on-board accommodate a variety of instruments, temperaments, and musical genres. The highly configurable metronome features precise 0.1 BPM adjustability in eighth notes, quarter notes, dotted quarter notes or half notes, a tempo range of 10-280 BPM, over 100 subdivisions, accent patterns, and polyrhythms. The StroboPLUS HDC can also be used to play thousands of bars of tempo maps, programmable from the Peterson Connect Web App. A single tempo map can play an entire score of meter changes, accent patterns, subdivisions, bar colors, silent bars and gradually curved tempo changes like accelerandos and ritardandos. The StroboPLUS HDC is the perfect tuning, ear training and rhythm tool all in one package!
MORE

0

0

 Featuring the largest tuning display Peterson Tuners has ever incorporated into one of their pedal tuners, the StroboStomp HD boasts a high-definition, LCD screen that incorporates a variable color LED backlight. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboStomp HD

$149.00

Featuring the largest tuning display Peterson Tuners has ever incorporated into one of their pedal tuners, the StroboStomp HD boasts a high-definition, LCD screen that incorporates a variable color LED backlight. The user-selectable colors can be used to personalize the tuner or to increase display viewing quality in different levels of ambient lighting depending on the usage environment. The vibrant screen colors can also be assigned to stock or user presets to significantly reduce menu navigation time and increase on-stage tuning confidence at the gig. For tone purists, the StroboStomp HD provides a 100% silent, true-bypass operation mode to keep precious tone safe, as well as, eliminate the often annoying “pop” experienced when engaging such a feature in other products. It uses a unique series of timed relays incorporated within its circuitry to shunt the signal, draining the cause of the popping sound prior to breaking the connection, and effectively shutting the tuner down for direct play through without affecting tone quality. The StroboStomp HD also includes a long-time, user-requested buffered output operation mode that can be user engaged. The buffered mode can be used in or out of monitor mode. It is designed to boost instrument drive to overcome potential tone loss in signal chains that incorporate multiple low-impedance guitar pedals or those that utilize long cable runs. The buffered output modes preserve sonic quality all through the instrument range and keep prized core tone intact. The StroboStomp HD features over 100 exclusive Sweetened Tunings™, as well as, numbered guided tuning presets for a large variety of instruments and playing styles. Sweetened Tunings are exclusive to Peterson tuning products and are designed to help correct inherent tuning issues exhibited by many instruments. The new "Guided Tunings" mode allows the StroboStomp HD to display numeric string values instead of traditional note names making for sure-fire intuitive and rapid re-tuning to any number of open and alternative tunings. The Guided Tuning mode was instituted for beginners who want to experiment with popular alternate tunings, as well as, experienced players who employ multiple tunings in rapid succession. Numerically expressed scales are also included.
MORE

0

0

 The Peterson StroboClip HD™ (SC-HD) has the same tenth-of-a-cent accuracy as all Peterson Strobe Tuners. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboClip HD

$59.99

The Peterson StroboClip HD™ (SC-HD) has the same tenth-of-a-cent accuracy as all Peterson Strobe Tuners. This versatile tuner comes complete with a bright high-definition screen, over 50 Sweetened™ tunings, alternate temperaments for a vast array of string and wind instruments, and soft rubber-lined jaws to protect your instrument's finish while offering a firm grip for maximum signal tracking.
MORE

0

0

 The Peterson StroboPlus HD (SP-1) is THE premier desktop digital tuner on the market!  Equally as comfortable on a tech’s workbench as it is in a player’s guitar case, this tuner, with all of its features, is no exception to Peterson’s reputation for being THE most accurate in the industry — don’t let its demure palm size fool you! Players of both acoustic and electric instruments can rest assured— a built-in electret condenser microphone and ¼” input jack provide excellent connectivity. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboPLUS HD

$149.99

The Peterson StroboPlus HD (SP-1) is THE premier desktop digital tuner on the market! Equally as comfortable on a tech’s workbench as it is in a player’s guitar case, this tuner, with all of its features, is no exception to Peterson’s reputation for being THE most accurate in the industry — don’t let its demure palm size fool you! Players of both acoustic and electric instruments can rest assured— a built-in electret condenser microphone and ¼” input jack provide excellent connectivity. Gone are the days of having to carry extra batteries and tripping over power cables during a performance! This tuner is rechargeable via computer bus or outlet power, and its large, circular screen is easily viewed in both the darkest and brightest environmental conditions. Features such as Auto Off, easy menu navigation, tripod mounting capability, over 90 of our Sweetened Tunings, tone generation ability via built in speaker, and a headphone output jack round out the package. Finally, future-proof updating and parameter editing is made possible by the tuner’s unobtrusive side-mounted USB jack. And for those feeling exceptionally adventurous, this tuner can be upgraded to also feature our super flexible Body Beat metronome option, along with both audible AND tactile mode operation. Hear the beat or feel it…the power is in your hands. This tuner is fit for the most discerning of players and technicians for sure!
MORE
 iStroboSoft™ offers the unmatched accuracy of a mechanical strobe tuner for the highest degree of precision available in a software tuning application. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

iStroboSoft (iOS)

$9.99

iStroboSoft™ offers the unmatched accuracy of a mechanical strobe tuner for the highest degree of precision available in a software tuning application. Plug in your electrics or use the built-in mic for acoustic instruments to quickly and easily tune with 1/10th cent accuracy.
MORE
 The Peterson StroboSoft2 Tuning Suite gives you the power to route your audio through your DAW on an insert point or to strap it across your buss and tune with unrivaled accuracy. | Peterson Strobe Tuners

StroboSoft 2.0

$49.99 - $99.99

The Peterson StroboSoft2 Tuning Suite gives you the power to route your audio through your DAW on an insert point or to strap it across your buss and tune with unrivaled accuracy. Getting your instrument into your computer is as simple as plugging in up to two sound cards at once (stereo input), and selecting a sampling rate up to 96kHz. If the output level of your instrument still isn’t high enough, we have you covered. You can boost signals up to 24dB and achieve an ideal tuning lock. Sharp and flat tuning indicators make “at a glance” tuning a breeze. Gone are the days of needing to use an external compressor to tap-tune backboards, braces, and tone bars. Our “Average” function does away with any measured outliers. The “Standard” downloadable version of this software offers basic chromatic tuning, Cent/Hertz/MIDI note number output, noise filtering, and selectable concert A reference. Our “Deluxe” version offers 38 Sweetened Tunings, themed skins to personalize the tuner to fit the best look for your style, the ability to import/export Sweeteners and temperament to share with friends, and oscilloscope/spectrum analyzer utilities!
MORE

0

0

1. Make sure to keep strings in good condition, wipe them down with a cloth after playing and replace them with new strings when they become old or worn. If you break a string while playing or tuning, it often means the strings are at the end of their useful life. Old strings will never hold a tuning. Replace all strings at the same time.

2. Tune UP - not down – when tuning to the pitch of a note.

Lap steel guitars made by Fender, Gibson, Rickenbacker, MSA, Weissenborn & Regal and players such as Sol Hoopii, Jerry Byrd, David Lindley, Bob Brozman, Junior Brown, Basil Henriques and Mike Auldridge are some of the most iconic.

Violin
Banjo
Buzz Feiten
6-String Electric Guitar
Ukulele
Mandolin
Upright Bass
Dobro® & Resonator Guitar
Pedal Steel Guitar
Cello
Lap Steel Guitar
6-String Acoustic Guitar
Bagpipes
Viola
Harp
Electric Bass Guitar
Enjoy 10% off
Let's stay connected
Simply sign up for our email list and we'll send you a unique coupon code, plus other exclusive savings!*
Restrictions Apply.
Thanks for joining ouir mailing list!
Keep an eye on your inbox. Your exclusive offer will be arriving soon.
* Must enter email address to receive unique promo code. Upon confirmation of eligibility, subscribers will receive a one-time use promo code for 10% off their purchase at PetersonTuners.com, including mechanical tuners, Virtual Series™ strobe tuners, StroboSoft™ desktop software, BodyBeat™ series metronomes, and accessories. Discounts do not apply toward the purchase of iStroboSoft for Android or iOS or Node products. Offer subject to change at any time. Cannot be combined with another promotional offer. To take advantage of this one-time use offer enter your email address and the offer code will be delivered to that address. Please add petersontuners@petersontuners.com to your safe list to prevent your offer from going to spam. Your email address information is kept private. Privacy Policy.
Need Help?
Select a maximum of 4 products to compare.
StroboClip HDC
StroboStomp Mini
StroboStomp LE
StroboPLUS HDC
StroboStomp HD
StroboClip HD
Body Beat Pulse Solo
StroboPLUS HD
Body Beat Sync
StroboClip
iStroboSoft
StroboSoft 2.0
AutoStrobe 490-ST
AutoStrobe 590
AutoStrobe 490