The 'ADGCFG' tuning is a highly unconventional and deeply resonant setup for a 6-string guitar. As indicated by the description 'on 6 capo for sparks', this tuning appears tailored for specific musical applications, likely involving a capo at the 6th fret to bring the overall pitch into a more playable or desired range, or for achieving a distinct sonic texture reminiscent of the band Sparks. Its extreme low range and re-entrant string configuration make it a powerful tool for exploring unique harmonic landscapes.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning conjures a dark, rich, and somewhat mysterious sonic palette. The substantial down-tuning across all strings creates a deep, almost baritone, character, which would typically require heavier gauge strings to maintain tension and clarity. The unusual configuration where the 3rd string (C#4) is higher in pitch than the 2nd string (F3) introduces a re-entrant quality. This feature, often found in instruments like the ukulele or 5-string banjo, allows for surprising melodic possibilities and voicings where a seemingly 'lower' string can play a higher note than its neighbour. This setup would be excellent for ambient soundscapes, experimental music, or genres requiring a heavy, de-tuned aesthetic with complex harmonic movement.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F3, G#4. Let's break down the intervals between them:

• String 6 (A#2) to String 5 (D#3): A Perfect Fourth (+5 semitones).
• String 5 (D#3) to String 4 (G#3): A Perfect Fourth (+5 semitones).
• String 4 (G#3) to String 3 (C#4): A Perfect Fourth (+5 semitones).
• String 3 (C#4) to String 2 (F3): A Descending Major Sixth (-9 semitones from C#4 to F3) or effectively, the 2nd string is a Minor Third (3 semitones) below the 3rd string, but an octave lower. This re-entrant interval is a defining characteristic of this tuning's unique structure.
• String 2 (F3) to String 1 (G#4): An Ascending Major Tenth (+15 semitones, an octave plus a Major Third). This is a very wide interval, offering significant melodic range on the top string relative to its neighbour.

Open Chord Voicings: The open strings A#2, D#3, G#3, C#4, F3, G#4 comprise the notes A#, D#, G#, C#, F, and G#. This collection forms a rich and complex harmony. It can be interpreted as an A# minor 7th (with a flat 5th) and an added 11th (A#m7b5(11)). Specifically, A# (root), C# (minor 3rd), F (flat 5th, or enharmonically E#), and G# (minor 7th) are present, with D# functioning as the 11th. This creates an immediately dark, slightly dissonant, and evocative open chord.

Chordal Possibilities: The consecutive perfect fourths on the lowest three strings (6, 5, 4) provide a consistent foundation, allowing for easy barre shapes to create power chords or suspended voicings across these strings. Barring across these three strings at any fret will yield a root, a perfect fourth, and an octave + perfect fourth, offering a solid, resonant base. The re-entrant 3rd and 2nd strings, combined with the substantial interval jump to the 1st string, encourage unique arpeggiated patterns and lead lines that can interweave between higher and lower register notes in unconventional ways. Chords that span across the entire tuning will likely feature complex and expanded harmonic textures, ideal for generating unique sonic landscapes.

How to Tune: ADGCFG

This section details the tuning adjustments needed for each string to achieve the 'ADGCFG' tuning. Please note the significant down-tuning for all strings. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to use a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension and intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your guitar or strings.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2. Caution: This is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are strongly advised.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3. Caution: This is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are strongly advised.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. Caution: This is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are strongly advised.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 6 semitones to C#4. Caution: This is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are strongly advised.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones to F3. Caution: This is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are strongly advised.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 8 semitones to G#4. Caution: This is an extreme drop; a much heavier gauge string is essential for this string.