Marty Grosz Guitar Tuning Analysis

This unique tuning, named after the renowned jazz guitarist Marty Grosz, transforms a standard 6-string guitar into a fascinating sonic landscape, ideal for exploring intricate jazz voicings and open, resonant harmonies. It is a highly re-entrant tuning, meaning the strings are not ordered monotonically from lowest to highest pitch when played in the typical string order (6th to 1st), which contributes to its distinctive sound.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are A#3, F2, C3, G3, B3, D4 (from 6th to 1st string). When ordered strictly by pitch from lowest to highest, the notes are F2, C3, G3, A#3, B3, D4. The lowest note is F2 on the 5th string, while the highest is D4 on the 1st string. This specific arrangement of pitches creates a rich, complex harmonic cluster when strummed open, characterized by its jazz-oriented flavor and potential for both consonance and deliberate dissonance.

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest sounding note (F2 on String 5):

• String 5 (F2): Root
• String 4 (C3): Perfect 5th above F2
• String 3 (G3): Major 9th (Major 2nd) above F2
• String 6 (A#3): Perfect 4th above F2 (enharmonically Bb3)
• String 2 (B3): Augmented 4th (Tritone) above F2
• String 1 (D4): Major 6th above F2

The presence of both A# (Bb) and B natural, alongside G, C, F, and D, creates a harmonically dense and often dissonant yet intriguing palette. The open strings hint at a sophisticated F major chord with extensions and alterations, such as an Fmaj13#11sus4 type of sound, inviting experimentation with complex jazz harmony. The close proximity of B3 and A#3 (Bb3) on adjacent strings (2nd and 6th) provides a characteristic tension often found in jazz voicings.

Chords that can be formed or are easily within reach with this open tuning:

• Strumming all open strings yields a complex, rich cluster embodying the notes F, C, G, Bb, B, D, which can serve as a powerful foundation for jazz improvisation.
• The top four strings (C3, G3, B3, D4) when played open form a Cmaj7add9 chord (C-G-B-D). Placing the F2 (String 5) underneath this creates a deep, resonant voicing.
• Moving a single finger across a fret can often produce unexpected and sophisticated chord voicings due to the unique intervallic structure of the open strings.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Marty Grosz Tuning

To achieve the Marty Grosz tuning, you will adjust your strings from a standard EADGBe tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4). Please note the warnings regarding significant semitone changes, as these may require different string gauges for safety and optimal tone.

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune up 6 semitones. Starting from a standard E2, this movement would lead to A#2 (Bb2). However, the target note for this tuning is A#3. Achieving A#3 from a standard E2 string would require tuning up a total of 18 semitones (an octave higher than A#2), which is extremely unsafe for a typical E string and necessitates a significantly lighter gauge string. As per the movement data, tuning up 6 semitones from E2 (to A#2) already exceeds the recommended limit of +4 semitones, advising a different gauge string. Proceed with extreme caution, consult a luthier, or consider a specialized string set designed for much higher tensions if aiming for A#3.
• String 5 (A string): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Caution is advised as tuning down 4 semitones can significantly reduce string tension, potentially causing fret buzz or intonation issues. A different gauge string might be beneficial for optimal playability.
• String 4 (D string): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains G3.
• String 2 (B string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• String 1 (High E string): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

This tuning is not for the faint of heart due to the significant tension changes and re-entrant nature, but it offers a rewarding and unique sonic palette for the adventurous guitarist seeking to explore new harmonic territories.

String 6: A#3

String 5: F2

String 4: C3

String 3: G3

String 2: B3

String 1: D4