The "Hot Type" tuning, famously utilized by the innovative acoustic guitarist Michael Hedges, is a captivating and highly resonant alternate tuning that opens up a world of sonic possibilities. This tuning is not merely a slight deviation but a significant re-voicing of the guitar, characteristic of Hedges' unique approach to composition and performance, making it an embodiment of his "Michael Hedges Hot Type" style.

Verbally, it evokes an expansive and ethereal soundscape, ideal for intricate fingerstyle arrangements, percussive techniques, and rich, sustained textures. The open strings often ring together in harmonically complex ways, creating a sense of wonder and depth. Players will find this tuning encourages melodic exploration and an almost piano-like resonance, allowing for sustained drones and arpeggiated figures that are challenging to achieve in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes for this tuning are, from lowest (thickest) to highest (thinnest) string: A1 B2 E3 F#4 A3 D4. When analyzing the intervallic relationships, starting from the low A, we observe a complex and open structure:

• String 6 (A1): The root, providing a deep, resonant foundation.
• String 5 (B2): A Major 2nd (or 9th) above the root A.
• String 4 (E3): A Perfect 5th above the root A, providing harmonic stability.
• String 3 (F#4): A Major 6th (or 13th) above the root A.
• String 2 (A3): An octave above the root A, reinforcing the fundamental.
• String 1 (D4): A Perfect 4th (or 11th) above the root A.

This arrangement results in an open voicing that suggests an A-oriented harmony without committing to a specific major or minor triad due to the absence of a C# (major 3rd) or C (minor 3rd). This ambiguity is a hallmark of Hedges' style, allowing for fluid harmonic shifts depending on fretted notes. The strong presence of A, E, and A across multiple octaves (strings 6, 4, and 2) provides a solid foundational power chord, while the B, F#, and D add beautiful extensions, creating an implied A6/9sus4 or Aadd9sus4 chord quality. The overall feel is bright and expansive, with a natural inclination towards suspended harmonies.

Common chord shapes in standard tuning will be completely recontextualized, requiring players to discover new voicings and fingerings. The close proximity of the 6th string (A) and 5th string (B) creates a strong Major 2nd interval, while the 5th (B) to 4th (E) is a Perfect 4th. The unique sequence of intervals (M2, P4, M2, m3, P4) across the strings makes this tuning particularly rich for creating shimmering arpeggios, intricate melodic lines, and sustained drone effects, typical of Michael Hedges' innovative approach to the acoustic guitar.

Here are the target notes for each string in the "Hot Type" tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• String 6: A1
• String 5: B2
• String 4: E3
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe Tuning):

To achieve the "Hot Type" tuning, follow these specific adjustments from standard guitar tuning:

• String 6 (Low E to A1): Tune down 7 semitones. This is a substantial drop in pitch; take care when detuning.
• String 5 (A to B2): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D to E3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G to F#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2 (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauges: Tuning a string up or down by more than 4 semitones (as with String 6 in this tuning) significantly alters string tension. While possible, for the best playability, intonation, and to avoid potential string breakage, it is often recommended to consider using a different gauge string if the movement exceeds this range substantially and consistently.