Fuji Tuning: A Low-End Minor Powerhouse

The "Fuji" tuning is a custom guitar setup designed by its creator for robust, deep sounds, perfect for "lumbering away" on the higher strings while leveraging the lower strings for resonant "pedal tones." The name itself suggests a sturdy, imposing sonic landscape, possibly hinting at a sound that is grounded and powerful, suitable for genres like rock, metal, or atmospheric music. It aims to provide a unique minor tonality with a strong, deep foundation.

Technical Analysis

This is a heavily dropped tuning with a distinctive open chord voicing, built around a G minor tonality with a surprisingly low A# (Bb) string. The open strings of the guitar, from lowest to highest, are tuned to the following notes:

• String 6 (Low E equivalent): A#2 (Bb2)
• String 5 (A equivalent): G2
• String 4 (D equivalent): D3
• String 3 (G equivalent): G3
• String 2 (B equivalent): G3
• String 1 (High E equivalent): D4

The core harmonic structure when played open is a G minor chord (G-Bb-D) with significant note doubling across the strings. The G root is prominently featured on String 5, String 3, and String 2. The perfect fifth, D, appears on String 4 and String 1. The defining characteristic is the A# (enharmonically Bb, the minor third) on the lowest String 6, providing a deep, resonant bass note that gives the G minor chord a unique, dark, and heavy character from its foundation. The unison G notes on strings 3 and 2, coupled with the D on string 1, create excellent opportunities for sustained drone effects and melodic movements over a stable harmonic bed.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

• Open G Minor: Strumming all six strings open immediately yields a rich, full G minor chord with an A#/Bb bass, offering an instant dark and resonant sound without any fretting.
• G Power Chord (G5): By muting or avoiding the 6th string, a powerful G5 chord (G-D-G-G-D) can be easily achieved by strumming strings 5 through 1, perfect for driving riffs.
• Low-End Riffing: The extremely low A#2 on the 6th string creates a formidable foundation. The perfect fifth intervals between String 5 (G2) and String 4 (D3), and between String 2 (G3) and String 1 (D4), make it incredibly easy to execute heavy power chords and octave shapes across these string pairs, ideal for creating impactful, low-register riffs.
• Drone Capabilities: The strategic placement of multiple Gs (String 5, 3, 2) and Ds (String 4, 1) makes this tuning exceptionally well-suited for drone-based playing. This allows the player to sustain notes on the lower strings while performing melodic or rhythmic figures on the higher strings, fulfilling the creator's intent for "pedal tones."
• Drop D-like Versatility: With String 1 tuned down to D4, it shares some of the advantages of popular drop tunings for lead playing and single-string riffs on the highest string.

Overall, the Fuji tuning is designed for a powerful, resonant playing style, emphasizing its minor tonality and deep, sustained notes for impactful and evocative musical compositions.

How to Tune 'Fuji' Tuning from Standard EADGBe

To achieve the 'Fuji' tuning, you will adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Starting from standard E2, you will tune down 6 semitones to A#1 (Bb1). This is a significant drop, and a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• String 5 (A): Starting from standard A2, you will tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Starting from standard D3, you will keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Starting from standard G3, you will keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains G3.
• String 2 (B): Starting from standard B3, you will tune down 4 semitones to G3. This is a considerable drop, and a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 1 (High E): Starting from standard E4, you will tune down 2 semitones to D4.