The 'Edgy Neon' tuning is an intriguing and significantly lowered guitar setup, conceived as an alteration to John Mayer's 'Neon' tuning (CADGBe). The creator's stated goal was to achieve a "groovier sound" by universally tuning down the instrument a whole step from standard, then customizing from there. This results in a tuning that offers a unique sonic landscape, deeply resonant and rich in open chord possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for 'Edgy Neon' are as follows, from lowest to highest pitch:

• 6th String: A♯2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: C4

This tuning represents a substantial departure from standard EADGBe. The lowest string, A♯2 (B♭2), is particularly deep, contributing significantly to the desired "groovier" and heavier sound. Analyzing the intervals between consecutive open strings reveals a unique melodic and harmonic structure:

• 6th to 5th String (A♯2 to G2): Down a minor third (3 semitones)
• 5th to 4th String (G2 to C3): Up a perfect fourth (5 semitones)
• 4th to 3rd String (C3 to F3): Up a perfect fourth (5 semitones)
• 3rd to 2nd String (F3 to A3): Up a major third (4 semitones)
• 2nd to 1st String (A3 to C4): Up a minor third (3 semitones)

Chords and Voicings

Despite its unconventional nature, 'Edgy Neon' offers several interesting open chord voicings and harmonic possibilities:

• F Major Triads: The top three strings (F3 A3 C4) form an F major chord. Notably, the strings 2-4 (A3 F3 C3) also form an F major triad. This redundancy makes F major harmonies particularly resonant and accessible across different string sets.
• Gsus4 Chord: Strings 3-5 (F3 C3 G2) combine to create a Gsus4 triad (G-C-F), providing a sense of unresolved tension or an open, folky quality.
• C Dominant 7th Voicing: The lower strings 4-6 (C3 G2 A♯2) present a C-G-B♭ (A♯), which is a C dominant 7th chord without its third. This provides a strong bluesy or dominant pull, especially when combined with other notes or fingerings.
• Overall Resonance: The open tuning contains elements of F major, C dominant, and suspended sounds, suggesting a versatile harmonic palette suitable for blues, rock, and experimental genres. The prevalence of fourths (G-C, C-F) gives it a powerful, open feel, while the major and minor thirds contribute melodic richness.

Playing Considerations

This tuning's low register and unique intervals will undoubtedly inspire new approaches to songwriting and improvisation. Standard chord shapes will need to be re-learned or adapted, encouraging players to discover fresh voicings and melodic patterns. The strong open F major chords provide an excellent harmonic anchor, while the dominant 7th and suspended voicings invite expressive blues and jazz inflections. The significantly dropped tuning, especially on the 6th string, will yield a thick, dark tone, ideal for heavy riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, and, as the creator intended, a deeply "groovier" feel. Due to the extreme string tension changes, players should carefully consider using heavier gauge strings for optimal performance and to prevent intonation issues.

How to Tune "Edgy Neon"

Important Note on String Gauge: This tuning involves significant drops in pitch for several strings compared to standard tuning. For optimal tone, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or buzzing, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set, particularly for the 6th and 1st strings. Standard light or medium gauge strings may not perform well at these lower tensions and could feel too slack.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 6 semitones to A♯2. *This is a very significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and intonation.*
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. *Consider a heavier gauge string for this drop to maintain good playability and tone.*