Verbal and Technical Analysis: Alfie's Enigma

As whimsically described by its young creator, Alfie's Enigma is a 7-string guitar tuning that truly embodies the feeling of "not knowing where you are." It's a journey into an unconventional soundscape, offering a unique blend of familiar and strikingly dissonant intervals across its open strings.

Technically, the tuning sets the open strings to A1, A2, C4#, D3, D4#, E3, A3 (from the lowest 7th string to the highest 1st string). While the fundamental notes of an A Major triad (A, C#, E) are present across the tuning (A1, A2, C4#, E3, A3), their wide distribution and the intriguing inclusion of D3 and D4# create a distinctive harmonic texture. The close proximity of D3 on the 4th string and D4# on the 3rd string forms a potent minor second interval when played together, which is a key characteristic of this tuning, challenging traditional harmonic expectations. The lowest two strings provide a strong, resonant foundation with octaves (A1 and A2), before the tuning ascends into a more intricate and unpredictable arrangement of pitches.

This tuning is less about strumming conventional chords and more about exploring unique voicings, arpeggios, and experimental sound design. While an open A Major chord can technically be constructed from the A, C#, and E notes, the tension introduced by the D and D# will give it a distinctly modern and almost atonal color. It encourages players to think outside traditional chord shapes, focusing instead on the intervallic relationships between the strings, particularly the poignant minor second. Alfie's Enigma is ideally suited for creating abstract soundscapes, progressive compositions, or genres that thrive on harmonic tension, release, and unexpected melodic paths.

How to Tune Alfie's Enigma

To achieve the Alfie's Enigma tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the following movements from its implied original pitch:

• String 7 (Lowest A1): Tune your 7th string from B1 down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 6 (A2): Tune your 6th string from E2 up 5 semitones to A2. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change; a different gauge string is highly advised for optimal tension and safety.)
• String 5 (C4#): Tune your 5th string from G#3 up 4 semitones to C4#. (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a different gauge string for long-term use.)
• String 4 (D3): Keep your 4th string as is at D3; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (D4#): Tune your 3rd string from F#4 down 4 semitones to D4#. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a different gauge string for long-term use.)
• String 2 (E3): Tune your 2nd string from B3 down 7 semitones to E3. (Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a substantial change; a different gauge string is highly advised for optimal tension and playability.)
• String 1 (Highest A3): Tune your 1st string from E4 down 7 semitones to A3. (Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a substantial change; a different gauge string is highly advised for optimal tension and playability.)

The open notes for Alfie's Enigma, listed from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string, are:

• String 7: A1
• String 6: A2
• String 5: C4#
• String 4: D3
• String 3: D4#
• String 2: E3
• String 1: A3