Tuning Analysis: Bug Collector by Haley Heynderickx

This unique tuning, originally crafted for 'Bug Collector' by Haley Heynderickx, transforms your standard Guitar into a resonant and expansive soundscape. It moves beyond conventional tunings to offer a distinct tonal character, ideal for the song's intricate harmonies and emotional depth.

Technical Breakdown

The open strings are tuned to A1, A2, C#4, E3, G#4, C#5 (from low E to high e). Arranged by pitch class, these notes form an A Major 7 chord (A - C# - E - G#). The tuning provides a rich, full-bodied voicing of this chord, with the root (A) doubled across two octaves (A1, A2) and the major third (C#) also present in two different octaves (C#4, C#5). The low A strings (A1, A2) provide a deep, foundational bass, while the higher strings carry the bright major seventh harmony, creating a lush, consonant sound.

The arrangement of the notes across the fretboard makes open A Major 7 chords incredibly easy to play, simply by strumming the open strings. This tuning naturally facilitates chord shapes and melodies that revolve around the A Major scale and its related harmonies. Chords like A Major, A6, and Amaj7 are immediately accessible, creating a bright and ethereal sound. Other major 7th chords can be easily formed by barring across the fretboard, preserving the core interval relationships.

Verbal Description

This tuning delivers a bright, open, and incredibly resonant sound. It feels expansive and warm, with the low A strings giving it a significant depth and sustain. The consistent Major 7th interval across the open strings lends itself to atmospheric and contemplative compositions, perfect for fingerstyle or gentle strumming where the full harmonic texture can shine. It encourages lush harmonies and a slightly melancholic, yet beautiful, sonic palette, evocative of the song it was created for.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Bug Collector' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): To reach A1, tune down 7 semitones. Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone and to avoid potential string breakage.
• String 5 (A): To reach A2, keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): To reach C#4, tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3 (G): To reach E3, tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B): To reach G#4, tune down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (High e): To reach C#5, tune down 3 semitones.

The final notes for each string in this tuning are:

• String 6: A1
• String 5: A2
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: E3
• String 2: G#4
• String 1: C#5