The creator described this tuning as something they "made up" while "playing around with two capos and thought this sounded cool." This suggests an experimental and unique sonic landscape, likely rich in resonance and unexpected chord voicings.

Verbal Analysis

"Chromatic Unison Fourths" creates a bright, sharp, and highly resonant sound. The prevalence of sharp notes across the open strings gives it a distinct character, potentially leaning towards a cutting or shimmering quality. The most striking feature is the unison C# notes on the 3rd and 2nd strings, which will create a powerful drone or thick doubling effect when strummed open. The consistent perfect fourth intervals (A# to D#, D# to G#, G# to C#, and C# to F#) across most of the tuning lend a logical, almost symmetrical feel, making it approachable for those familiar with all-fourths tunings. This setup is ideal for atmospheric soundscapes, intricate fingerstyle, or unique chordal compositions where brightness and open string resonance are desired.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: A#3, D#4, G#4, C#5, C#5, F#5.
• Interval Structure: From low to high string, the tuning follows a pattern of Perfect 4th (A#3 to D#4), Perfect 4th (D#4 to G#4), Perfect 4th (G#4 to C#5), Unison (C#5 to C#5), and Perfect 4th (C#5 to F#5). This consistency offers a predictable fretboard layout for intervals, similar to all-fourths tuning but with the unique unison on the C# strings.
• Harmonic Content: When strummed open, the tuning produces the notes A#, D#, G#, C#, F#. Arranged from C#, these are C#, D#, F#, G#, A#. This can be interpreted as a C#sus2sus4 or a C#6/9 (without the major 3rd, E#). It strongly hints at a C# major or F# major tonality, providing a bright and somewhat ambiguous harmonic foundation.
• Chord Possibilities:
  • Open Chords: An open strum delivers a shimmering C#sus2sus4 chord, which is neither purely major nor minor, offering great flexibility for melodic accompaniment.
  • Symmetrical Shapes: The perfect fourth intervals on strings 6-3 and 2-1 mean that many melodic and chordal shapes will be horizontally transposable. Learning one pattern for these groups will allow easy movement across the fretboard.
  • Unison Impact: The two C# strings provide a natural drone. Barre chords will automatically double the C# note, adding thickness and sustain. This unison can be exploited for unique voicings, such as playing a melody on one C# string while the other rings open or is muted for a percussive effect.
  • Triad Access: Standard EADGBe triad shapes will require significant re-learning. However, the consistent P4 interval facilitates easier construction of power chords and certain jazz voicings across the lower strings. Simple open chords like a C# major could be formed by barring the 3rd fret across the first five strings (producing C# F# B D# G# C#) and letting the 6th string ring A# (creating a C#maj7#11 type sound).
• String Tension Considerations: A critical aspect of this tuning is the significant increase in tension for most strings. The 6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings are all tuned up 6 semitones. This extreme upward tension requires careful consideration. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string set than standard to prevent string breakage, potential neck warping, and to ensure comfortable playability. The 2nd and 1st strings are tuned up 2 semitones, which is less severe but still adds tension.

Here are the notes for each string in this unique tuning:

• 6th String: A#3
• 5th String: D#4
• 4th String: G#4
• 3rd String: C#5
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: F#5

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Chromatic Unison Fourths' tuning, follow these instructions based on standard guitar tuning (E3 A3 D4 G4 B4 E5 for the purpose of these movements):

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 6 semitones from E3 to A#3. Caution: Tuning up 6 semitones significantly increases string tension. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 6 semitones from A3 to D#4. Caution: Tuning up 6 semitones significantly increases string tension. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 6 semitones from D4 to G#4. Caution: Tuning up 6 semitones significantly increases string tension. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 6 semitones from G4 to C#5. Caution: Tuning up 6 semitones significantly increases string tension. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones from B4 to C#5.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 2 semitones from E5 to F#5.