Tuning Analysis: "raise fa#"

This intriguing tuning, known as "raise fa#", plunges the guitar into exceptionally deep registers, offering a rich, resonant foundation ideal for heavy and experimental music. As noted by its original use on "panic attack ver. 3" by neonix, it’s crafted for impactful, low-frequency soundscapes. Its low register also makes it an excellent choice for emulating or adapting 'B tunings' when utilizing a capo, allowing for flexible key changes while maintaining its inherent depth.

Technical Breakdown:

The tuning settles on the notes A1 D2 G2 C3 F3 A4#. This setup reveals a highly consistent structure across the five lowest strings, all tuned in perfect fourths (A-D-G-C-F). This symmetrical interval spacing, reminiscent of a bass guitar or all-fourths tuning, facilitates easy navigation for power chords and scale patterns across these strings. The standout feature, however, is the dramatic leap from the 2nd string (F3) to the 1st string (A4#). This is an astonishing 18-semitone interval, equivalent to a compound augmented fourth (or an octave plus a tritone). This creates an exceptionally wide and open voicing, quite rare in standard guitar tunings.

Open Chords & Playability:

Given its extremely low and distinctive interval structure, this tuning is less about conventional open major or minor chords and more about texture and power. The open notes (A, D, G, C, F, A#) themselves form a complex, dark sonority. Players will find:

• Effortless Power Chords: The bottom five strings, being tuned in perfect fourths, make two-finger power chords incredibly easy to execute across the fretboard. Simply barre two or more adjacent strings at any fret (e.g., fretting strings 6 and 5 at the 5th fret yields D5).
• Unique Voicings: The massive jump to the high A4# string will necessitate rethinking traditional chord shapes. This encourages open, suspended, or dissonant voicings, and is well-suited for single-note lines or atmospheric textures that cut through the thick low-end.
• Heavy Riffing: The overall low tuning and consistent fourths on the bottom strings are perfect for chugging, palm-muted riffs in metal and progressive genres. The high string can then be used for melodic accents or dissonant harmony.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "raise fa#" tuning, you will need to significantly detune your guitar from standard EADGBe. Please note: For drops exceeding 4 semitones, it is strongly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set to maintain optimal string tension, prevent fret buzz, and ensure good intonation and tone. Standard strings will likely become very slack.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones to D2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 7 semitones to G2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones to C3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones to F3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 6 semitones to A4#.