This tuning, famously used by Antoine Dufour in his composition "Mother", is a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic open tuning that offers a unique sonic landscape. It significantly lowers the overall pitch of the guitar, creating a full-bodied and often somber tone well-suited for intricate fingerstyle arrangements, ambient soundscapes, and expressive compositions.

Technical Analysis:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Original Tuning Name: Antoine Dufour - Mother
• Tuning Notes (from low to high): A1 - F2 - C3 - E3 - G3 - C4

Compared to standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), all strings are significantly dropped, some by as much as a perfect fifth or more. This creates a very low fundamental 'A' on the 6th string (A1), extending the guitar's lower range considerably.

Harmonic Structure and Chordal Opportunities:

The open strings form an intriguing collection of notes: A, F, C, E, G, C. This can be analyzed as an A minor 7 chord (A-C-E-G) with an added flattened sixth (F). This specific harmonic combination lends the tuning its distinctive melancholic yet rich character, hinting at modes like A Phrygian dominant or A Aeolian with a lowered 6th.

• Open Chord Potential:
  • The open strings collectively resonate with an A minor 7 (b6) tonality, providing a lush backdrop for melodic exploration.
  • The middle strings (C3-E3-G3 on strings 4, 3, 2) naturally form an open C Major triad, making C major voicings easily accessible.
  • The lower strings (A1-F2-C3 on strings 6, 5, 4) outline an F Major chord in its second inversion, making F Major and F minor chords (by simply altering the E string) readily available with minimal fretting.
  • Chords around the 5th and 7th frets will often yield interesting voicings due to the unique intervals, especially if exploring minor keys or more exotic scales.
• Playability: The wide intervals between certain strings, such as the major third (C-E) and minor third (E-G) in the middle, followed by a perfect fourth (G-C), encourage arpeggiated patterns and open string drones. The very low root on A1 allows for powerful bass lines and provides a deep foundation for complex melodies.

This tuning is ideal for guitarists seeking to expand their tonal palette beyond conventional tunings, offering a broad spectrum of expressive possibilities for intricate compositions.

How to Tune:

This tuning involves significant drops for all strings. Please exercise caution and ensure your guitar is properly set up for lower tunings to avoid potential string buzz or intonation issues. For very large drops (exceeding -4 semitones), consider using a heavier gauge string set for optimal tension and tone.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones from E to A1. This is a substantial drop, equivalent to tuning down a perfect fifth. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A to F2. This is a major third drop. Consider a slightly heavier gauge.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C3. This is a whole step drop.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E3. This is a minor third drop.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B to G3. This is a major third drop. Consider a slightly heavier gauge.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C4. This is a major third drop. Consider a slightly heavier gauge.