Tuning Overview: Extended A# F# Tenor Tuning

This unique six-string guitar tuning, which we've named the "Extended A# F# Tenor Tuning," offers a captivating blend of traditional tenor guitar characteristics with a deeper, more resonant bass foundation. While traditional tenor guitars are known for their perfect fifths tuning, this setup ingeniously incorporates that familiar structure for its upper four strings (C-G-D-A), making it accessible for players familiar with tenor voicings. However, it extends the range downwards with a powerful A# and F# on the two lowest strings, opening up new harmonic possibilities and a richer overall sound.

Verbal Analysis:

The immediate impression of this tuning is its depth and the intriguing harmonic tension provided by the lowest strings. The upper register, with its perfect fifths (C3-G3-D4-A4), provides clarity and allows for easy exploration of melodic lines and powerful open fifth chords, reminiscent of mandolin or violin family instruments. This section of the tuning is bright and articulate. The addition of the A#2 and F#3 strings dramatically alters the feel, grounding the tuning with a robust, almost orchestral bass. This lower range introduces a bluesy or jazzy edge, particularly with the major third interval (A# to F# being an augmented fifth or minor sixth) that creates a distinct harmonic color when played against the higher fifths. It's a tuning that encourages open string drone playing and complex harmonic textures rather than simple strumming of common open chords.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning consists of the following notes from lowest to highest string: A#2, F#3, C3, G3, D4, A4.

• String 6 (A#2) to String 5 (F#3): An augmented fifth (8 semitones). This wide interval creates an expansive, somewhat open quality at the bottom, setting an adventurous harmonic stage.
• String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (C3): A perfect fifth downwards (7 semitones down). This is a strong, stable interval, acting as a bridge to the tenor tuning section.
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (G3): A perfect fifth (7 semitones).
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (D4): A perfect fifth (7 semitones).
• String 2 (D4) to String 1 (A4): A perfect fifth (7 semitones).

The upper four strings (C3-G3-D4-A4) are perfectly in tune with a standard tenor guitar tuning, providing a familiar and highly versatile framework for melody and harmony. The lower two strings (A#2-F#3) significantly expand this, offering deep bass notes that can outline rich harmonic movements.

Open Chords and Harmonic Opportunities:

While not designed for simple, full open major or minor chords across all six strings, this tuning excels in producing powerful partial chords and intricate voicings:

• D Major (D-F#-A): An open D major chord is readily available using String 5 (F#3), String 2 (D4), and String 1 (A4). This triad sits beautifully within the tuning, suggesting keys of D or G major are very accessible.
• G Major (G-B-D): Strings 3 (G3) and 2 (D4) provide the root and fifth. A B can be easily fretted on string 4 (C3 at the 2nd fret).
• C Major (C-E-G): Strings 4 (C3) and 3 (G3) provide the root and fifth. An E can be fretted on string 2 (D4 at the 2nd fret) or string 1 (A4 at the 7th fret).
• Open Fifth Voicings: The C-G-D-A section naturally allows for powerful open fifth chords, perfect for rhythmic or drone-based playing. For example, playing strings 4, 3, 2, 1 open forms a C5/G5/D5/A5 stack, rich in overtones.
• F# Harmonic Landscape: The F#3 and A#2 (enharmonically Bb2) open strings provide a strong F# major or D# minor tonality, especially when coupled with the D4 and A4 from the upper strings. For instance, playing F#3, A#2, D4, A4 creates a complex Dmaj7#5 or F#aug voicing.
• Blues/Jazz Voicings: The A#2 and F#3 can serve as a potent bass for bluesy licks or jazz chords. For example, a low A# and F# with a fretted C on string 4 and G on string 3 could outline an A#aug chord, or contribute to more complex dominant 7th voicings.

This tuning encourages experimentation, particularly with its unique lowest intervals, making it ideal for players looking to break free from conventional chord shapes and explore a broad, harmonically rich soundscape.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Extended A# F# Tenor Tuning

Achieving the Extended A# F# Tenor Tuning involves specific adjustments to each string. Please use a reliable tuner and proceed with care, especially for larger pitch changes.

• String 6 (Low String - Target A#2): Tune down 6 semitones to reach A#2. Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch (more than 4 semitones). For optimal tension and tone, consider using a heavier gauge string for your low E string if you plan to keep this tuning.
• String 5 (Target F#3): Tune down 3 semitones to reach F#3.
• String 4 (Target C3): Tune down 2 semitones to reach C3.
• String 3 (Target G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at G3.
• String 2 (Target D4): Tune up 3 semitones to reach D4.
• String 1 (High String - Target A4): Tune up 5 semitones to reach A4. Caution: This is a substantial increase in pitch (more than 4 semitones). For string integrity and to prevent breakage, using a lighter gauge string for your high E string is strongly advised if you plan to use this tuning frequently.