A Unique Sonic Journey

The "Alphabet Slash" tuning, with its intriguing name, presents a sonic landscape that is both organized and deeply emotive. As the original description notes, the diagonal pattern of its open notes—A2, B2, C4#, E3, F4#, G4#—initially gives a sense of structure, almost a visual progression across the fretboard. However, this structure quickly reveals a wide and unconventional range of pitches, evoking a feeling of melancholy that remains tasteful and inspiring rather than dissonant or jarring. It’s a tuning that suggests depth and introspection, perfect for compositions seeking a thoughtful, atmospheric quality.

Technical Breakdown

Analysing the intervals reveals why this tuning is so distinct:

• String 6 (A2) to String 5 (B2): A Major 2nd (2 semitones).
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (C4#): A highly unusual jump of 13 semitones (Minor 9th), spanning over an octave. This creates a significant gap in pitch.
• String 4 (C4#) to String 3 (E3): A descending interval of 9 semitones, moving from a higher C# to a lower E. This reversal of ascending pitch is very rare in conventional tunings.
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (F4#): Another large leap of 14 semitones (Major 9th), again spanning over an octave.
• String 2 (F4#) to String 1 (G4#): A Major 2nd (2 semitones).

The open strings present the notes A, B, C#, E, F#, G#. This collection forms a six-note scale that is closely related to the A Major or A Lydian scale (missing the D/D#). While an A Major triad (A, C#, E) is technically present across the tuning, the widely spaced octaves and interspersed B, F#, and G# notes mean a simple open A Major chord will sound expansive and arpeggiated rather than a tight, traditional triad. The tuning’s inherent characteristics lean towards open string arpeggios, drones, and melodic lines that exploit the unique intervallic relationships rather than standard chord shapes.

Given the extreme and non-linear jumps in pitch between strings, traditional chord voicings will be challenging to fret and may yield unexpected results. This tuning is likely optimized for fingerstyle players exploring unique harmonic textures, or for slide guitar where the "diagonal pattern" might reveal interesting melodic contours. Its complexity suggests a tuning for experimental or advanced players seeking a distinct voice.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Alphabet Slash tuning from standard EADGBe (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), please follow these instructions carefully. Note that some movements are significant. Generally, tuning up or down more than 4 semitones can put undue stress on your strings and guitar neck. For strings requiring movements beyond this range, or where the specified movement in the tuning instructions doesn't align with the final desired pitch, it is strongly advised to consider a different string gauge to ensure playability and protect your instrument.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones. This will bring your E2 string to A2. (This is a significant upward adjustment, exceeding the 4-semitone guideline. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal stability and tone.)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones. This will bring your A2 string to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone. This movement from D3 would result in C#3. (However, the specified final tuning for this string is C4#. To reach C4# from D3 would actually require tuning up 11 semitones. This indicates a substantial discrepancy between the tuning movement instruction and the target note. A different string gauge is highly recommended, and careful tuning is essential.)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones. This will bring your G3 string to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones. This movement from B3 would result in F#3. (However, the specified final tuning for this string is F4#. To reach F4# from B3 would actually require tuning up 14 semitones. This is an extreme adjustment, strongly suggesting a different string gauge and very careful monitoring of string tension.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 8 semitones. This movement from E4 would result in A3. (However, the specified final tuning for this string is G4#. To reach G4# from E4 would actually require tuning up 3 semitones. This is a very large downward movement described, but the target note is higher, indicating a significant discrepancy. A different string gauge is highly recommended, and careful tuning is essential.)

String 6: A2

String 5: B2

String 4: C4#

String 3: E3

String 2: F4#

String 1: G4#