Verbal Analysis

Named after the Haley Heynderickx song 'Bug Collector', this unique guitar tuning immediately stands out with its unusual string configuration. It transforms the guitar into a deeply resonant instrument, starting with two unison A notes on the lowest strings, creating a rich, fundamental bass. The subsequent strings jump significantly in pitch, featuring a captivating mix of major thirds and perfect fourths. This tuning evokes a bright, open, and slightly melancholic quality, perfect for intricate fingerstyle or atmospheric chord progressions. The overall feel is one of spaciousness and harmonic depth, allowing for ringing open chords and drones that sustain beautifully. It's a tuning that encourages exploration outside of conventional fretboard patterns, inviting players to discover new voicings and melodic possibilities. It's truly a unique landscape for musical expression, reflecting the innovative spirit often found in singer-songwriter genres.

Technical Analysis

This tuning for the Guitar is essentially an open A Major 7th chord. The notes from lowest to highest string are: A2, A2, C#4, E3, G#4, C#5. This configuration provides a full, rich A major seventh chord (A-C#-E-G#) just by strumming the open strings. The duplicate A2 on the 6th and 5th strings creates a powerful, deep fundamental, adding exceptional depth and sustain to the low end. The wide intervals, such as the compound major third between the 5th (A2) and 4th (C#4) strings (an octave and a major third), and again between the 3rd (E3) and 2nd (G#4) strings, provide a harp-like resonance and distinct harmonic texture. The perfect fourth interval between the 2nd (G#4) and 1st (C#5) strings also contributes to interesting and often chiming chord voicings.

Due to the open A Major 7th chord, many common A major and A dominant 7th voicings will be easily accessible or can be modified with minimal effort. Moving this shape up the neck will yield other major 7th chords; for example, barring across the 2nd fret will produce an open B Major 7th chord. Furthermore, the unique intervals allow for interesting suspended chords or extended harmonies with just a few fretted notes. The low unison A strings also make drone playing incredibly effective, providing a strong harmonic anchor.

How to Tune

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones to A2. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. If your guitar is typically strung with heavy gauge strings, consider using a lighter gauge to avoid excessive tension and potential string breakage.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.