This tuning, which we've named "Sharpened Ascending Voicing", offers a truly unique and somewhat unconventional soundscape. It's important to note that this tuning specifies notes for five strings only, omitting the traditional 6th (low E) string of a standard guitar. The notes are predominantly sharpened, creating a bright, often dissonant, yet intriguing open voicing.

While the original description hinted at 'Standard tuning but one half step up', our analysis of the specific notes provided reveals a significant deviation, particularly in the octave placement of the lower strings. This isn't just a simple universal shift; it's a carefully constructed progression of intervals.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar (specifically configured for 5 strings, omitting the 6th string).
• Open String Notes: The tuning consists of A#3, D#4, G#4, C4, F4, from the 5th (thickest provided) string to the 1st (thinnest provided) string.
• Interval Structure: The intervals between the open strings are as follows:
  • String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (D#4): Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • String 4 (D#4) to String 3 (G#4): Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • String 3 (G#4) to String 2 (C4): Major Third (M3)
  • String 2 (C4) to String 1 (F4): Major Third (M3)
  This P4-P4-M3-M3 structure is quite unusual for a guitar tuning, providing a blend of robust fourths in the lower register and brighter thirds in the higher register.
• Open Chord Voicing: When played open, the strings (A#3, D#4, G#4, C4, F4) collectively form a complex sonority that can be interpreted as an A#sus2sus4(b7) (A# C D# F G#) or a similar cluster. Its dense, sharpened character makes it unsuitable for typical open strumming of common chords but highly conducive to arpeggiated figures and melodic runs.
• Chordal Implications: Due to its unique interval structure, traditional chord shapes will be significantly altered. Power chords can be easily formed on strings 5-4 and 4-3 because of the perfect fourths. The upper strings (3-2-1) could potentially yield familiar major/minor triad shapes with appropriate fingerings, but their relationship to the lower strings is non-standard. This tuning encourages exploration beyond conventional voicings and is well-suited for progressive, fusion, or experimental genres.

Tuning Notes

Here are the target notes for each of the five strings in this tuning:

• String 5: A#3 (A-sharp in the 3rd octave)
• String 4: D#4 (D-sharp in the 4th octave)
• String 3: G#4 (G-sharp in the 4th octave)
• String 2: C4 (C natural in the 4th octave)
• String 1: F4 (F natural in the 4th octave)

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Sharpened Ascending Voicing', follow these steps for each string. The movements are relative to an assumed starting point (likely standard tuning, though verify the final pitch):

• String 5: Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 4: Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 3: Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 2: Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 1: Tune up 1 semitones.

Important Note on String Tension: All listed string movements involve tuning up by 1 semitone. This amount of change is generally well within the safe limits for standard guitar strings and typically does not require a different string gauge. However, always exercise care when tuning, especially when increasing tension, and ensure your instrument can handle the change.