Tuning Analysis: Peter Gergely Summertime Sadness

This is a truly unique and intricate guitar tuning, as one would expect from Peter Gergely, renowned for his sophisticated acoustic fingerstyle arrangements. Designed specifically for his interpretation of "Summertime Sadness," this tuning diverges significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a soundscape that is both melancholic and richly resonant.

Verbal Analysis

The most striking feature of this tuning is the exceptionally low B on the 6th string, providing a deep, resonant foundation that instantly expands the guitar's sonic range downwards. This, combined with the dropped F# on the 3rd string, creates a harmonic palette that leans heavily towards minor and suspended harmonies, making it ideal for reflective, emotive, and slightly somber pieces, perfectly fitting the mood of "Summertime Sadness." While some strings (A, D, B, high E) retain their standard pitch relative to each other, the overall feel is distinctly non-standard. It's a tuning that greatly facilitates open-string arpeggios, complex melodic lines played across multiple strings, and rich chord voicings with minimal fretting, making it a fingerstyle player's dream for achieving a lush, layered sound. While primarily suited for intricate picking, its unique character could also inspire creative strumming patterns that evoke a beautiful, introspective atmosphere.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is set to B1 A2 D3 F#4 B3 E4 (from low to high string). Let's delve into the open string relationships:

• The open strings present the notes: B, A, D, F#, B, E. This arrangement strongly implies a B minor 7th chord (Bm7). The notes B, D, F#, and A are all present (B1, D3, F#4, A2 respectively).
• Furthermore, the high E4 string provides the 11th (or perfect 4th) of B. This inclusion creates a rich Bm7(add11) sonority, or hints at a Bsus4 chord, adding a layer of complexity and melancholic beauty.
• The interval between the 6th string (B) and the 5th string (A) is a major 7th, offering a unique harmonic tension when played openly.
• The 6th, 4th, and 3rd strings (B-D-F#) cleanly outline a B minor triad, providing a solid minor foundation, while the 6th and 2nd strings are both B, reinforcing the root an octave apart.
• This tuning is not immediately conducive to traditional major open chords, but it naturally facilitates minor, suspended, and extended harmonies, providing a lush backdrop for intricate melodies and sophisticated chordal work.

How to Tune

To achieve Peter Gergely's Summertime Sadness tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. (Caution: This is a substantial drop. For optimal performance and to maintain proper tension and intonation, considering a heavier gauge string for your low E is strongly advised.)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

String 6: B1 (Low B)

String 5: A2 (A)

String 4: D3 (D)

String 3: F#4 (F sharp)

String 2: B3 (B)

String 1: E4 (High E)