The TKOS Tuning: A Journey into Complex Harmonies

The "TKOS" tuning is a custom creation that takes the guitar far beyond conventional tunings, offering a unique and deeply expressive soundscape. This isn't a tuning designed for simple strumming of common chords; instead, it invites exploration into rich, dense harmonies and intricate melodic possibilities. It's particularly well-suited for players looking to break new ground in modern composition, jazz fusion, or experimental music.

Technical Analysis: The Bb Minor 11th Open Chord

At its core, the open strings of the TKOS tuning reveal a sophisticated Bb minor 11th chord. When strummed open, the notes resonate as A#2 (Bb2), C3, D#3 (Eb3), C#4 (Db4), F4, and A3 (Ab3). This complex voicing, laid out across the guitar's strings, creates a full, rich, and somewhat melancholic sound:

• Root: A#2 (Bb2)
• Major 9th: C3
• Perfect 11th: D#3 (Eb3)
• Minor 3rd: C#4 (Db4)
• Perfect 5th: F4
• Minor 7th: A3 (Ab3)

This chord structure naturally lends itself to creating expansive, layered sounds with minimal effort. While traditional 'cowboy chords' are not readily available, the inherent harmony of the open strings provides a fantastic foundation for arpeggiated figures, fingerstyle compositions, and melodic lines that emphasize the minor 9th and 11th extensions. The close proximity of notes like C and C# across different octaves can also be leveraged for unique dissonant textures or dramatic tension, revealing a truly individual voice for the instrument.

How to Tune to TKOS

Achieving the TKOS tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe, with several strings tuned down considerably and one tuned up. Pay close attention to the movements, and consider a different string gauge if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods, especially for movements exceeding 4 semitones in either direction. Always tune carefully and gradually.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2. (This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3. (Another substantial drop. A heavier gauge may be beneficial.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitones to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. (A very large drop. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and tone.)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 6 semitones to F4. (This is a significant increase in tension. A lighter gauge string is highly recommended, or proceed with extreme caution to avoid snapping.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. (Another substantial drop. Consider a heavier gauge string for stability.)