The Kent Nishimura "This Masquerade" Tuning (A♯ F C F G♯ C)

This profound and evocative guitar tuning, famously employed by Kent Nishimura for his arrangement of "This Masquerade," transforms the instrument into a canvas for deeply resonant and complex harmonies. It's a significantly dropped tuning, moving away from standard intervals to unlock a unique sonic palette perfect for intricate fingerstyle, atmospheric compositions, and jazz-influenced voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are A♯2 F2 C3 F3 G♯4 C4. When analyzed against the lowest string (A♯2) as the root, the intervals create a sophisticated harmonic landscape:

• String 6 (A♯2): The foundational root of the tuning.
• String 5 (F2): This note forms a diminished 5th interval with the root A♯2, appearing in a very low register, contributing to a rich, complex bass foundation.
• String 4 (C3): A minor 3rd interval above A♯2.
• String 3 (F3): An octave above the F2 on string 5, maintaining the diminished 5th relationship with A♯2.
• String 2 (G♯4): This note provides the minor 7th interval relative to A♯2, appearing an octave higher than a standard G♯3. It adds a distinct tension and brightness to the overall voicing.
• String 1 (C4): An octave above C3 on string 4, and a minor 3rd interval relative to A♯2, positioned two octaves higher than the root.

The open strings A♯, F, C, G♯ collectively outline an A♯ minor 7 flat 5 (A♯m7♭5) or half-diminished chord. An open strum thus yields a sophisticated, jazz-inflected harmony rather than a simple major or minor triad. The repetition of F (F2, F3) and C (C3, C4) across different octaves is a key feature, enabling powerful drones, resonant sympathetic vibrations, and expansive arpeggios that can fill a sonic space with minimal fretting.

While traditional chord shapes will be entirely recontextualized, the inherent perfect 5ths (F-C on strings 5-4) and perfect 4ths (C-F on strings 4-3) within the mid-range provide familiar harmonic anchors. This tuning is designed to inspire exploration, encouraging guitarists to discover new chord voicings, melodic movements, and textural possibilities, particularly in the lower registers where the intervals are stretched wide.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To transform your guitar from standard E A D G B E tuning to the A♯ F C F G♯ C configuration, follow these precise steps:

• Low E String (6th String): Tune down 6 semitones from E2 to A♯2.

  Note: A significant drop of 6 semitones. For optimal playability and intonation, especially if this is a frequent tuning, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.

• A String (5th String): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2.

  Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a substantial adjustment. Consider using a heavier gauge string for better tension and tone.

• D String (4th String): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• G String (3rd String): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• B String (2nd String): Tune down 3 semitones from B3 to G♯4.
• High E String (1st String): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4.

  Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a substantial adjustment. Consider using a heavier gauge string for better tension and tone.

Important Consideration for String Gauge: As several strings are tuned down 4 or more semitones, the string tension will be significantly reduced. To maintain optimal playability, intonation, and to prevent excess fret buzz or floppiness, using a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for lower tunings is highly recommended. Always tune slowly and carefully to avoid damaging your strings or tuning pegs.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to A♯2

String 5 (A): Tuned to F2

String 4 (D): Tuned to C3

String 3 (G): Tuned to F3

String 2 (B): Tuned to G♯4

String 1 (High E): Tuned to C4