Verbal Analysis

The creator of this tuning describes it as suitable for "songs and new instrumentals," which is fitting for a setup that encourages unique harmonic and melodic exploration. This is far from a standard tuning, suggesting a desire for fresh textures and unexpected musical avenues. The significant drops in pitch on the lower strings, combined with very high notes on the middle strings, indicate a tuning crafted for ambient soundscapes, progressive compositions, or experimental genres where traditional chord voicings are re-imagined.

Technical Analysis

This tuning presents the open notes A1, E2, B2, F4#, G4#, B3. The note combination of A, B, E, F#, G# forms a compelling soundscape. Considering E as the root, the tuning contains: E (root), F# (Major 2nd), G# (Major 3rd), A (Perfect 4th/11th), and B (Perfect 5th). This creates a strong implied E Major 11 chord, offering a rich, expansive harmonic foundation despite lacking the 7th (D#).

The arrangement is particularly interesting: a low, resonant bass foundation (A1, E2, B2) provides depth, while the third and second strings are tuned exceptionally high (F4# and G4#), even higher than the first string (B3). This high register on the middle strings creates a bright, almost bell-like quality in the middle of the instrument's range, allowing for unique inversions, open string drones, and potentially dissonant clusters when played with the highest string. Traditional chord shapes will largely be obsolete, encouraging the discovery of new voicings and melodic patterns that exploit the wide intervals and the close proximity of F4# and G4# (a whole step apart).

String Gauge Considerations:

Due to significant changes in string tension, a different string gauge is strongly advised for several strings to maintain optimal playability, tone, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument:

• String 6 (Low E to A1): Tuned down 7 semitones. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• String 5 (A to E2): Tuned down 5 semitones. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• String 1 (High E to B3): Tuned down 5 semitones. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.

For strings 4, 3, and 2, the adjustments are within a range that may not strictly require a different gauge, though individual preference for tension may still lead to experimentation.

Tuning Notes Description

The open strings are tuned as follows, from the lowest (String 6) to the highest (String 1):

• String 6: A1 (Lowest String)
• String 5: E2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: G4#
• String 1: B3 (Highest String)

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Follow these precise instructions based on the provided string movements. Note that the resulting notes for String 3 and String 2 in this tuning process differ in octave from the stated 'Tuning Notes' above (F4# vs F#3, G4# vs G#3), which suggests an intended tuning higher than achievable by these specific movements from standard gauge strings.

• String 6 (Standard Low E - E2): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• String 5 (Standard A - A2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Heavier gauge string advised)
• String 4 (Standard D - D3): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (Standard G - G3): Tune down 1 semitone to F#3.
• String 2 (Standard B - B3): Tune down 3 semitones to G#3.
• String 1 (Standard High E - E4): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (Heavier gauge string advised)