Description of 'capo 6 facgae' Tuning

This tuning, referred to as "capo 6 facgae", is described as a "math rock tuning" which is further enhanced by placing a capo at the sixth fret. While the descriptive name "facgae" is given in the tuning's description, the actual open string notes you will tune to before applying the capo are B1, D#3, F#4, C#5, D#5, A#5. The placement of the capo at the sixth fret effectively transposes these notes, changing the open strings to E2, G#3, C5, F#5, G#5, D6, shifting the entire sonic landscape into a higher, brighter register.

Verbal Analysis

True to its "math rock" designation, this is a highly unconventional and complex tuning. The wide intervallic jumps and the specific note choices, particularly after the capo is applied, create a dense, rich, and often dissonant harmonic palette. This makes it ideal for intricate arpeggios, chiming melodies, and angular chord voicings characteristic of the genre. The high capo position brightens the guitar's tone considerably, leading to a sparkling, almost bell-like quality perfect for percussive, rhythmic playing.

While the tuning description mentions "it's a G# major," the actual open notes *with* the capo (E, G#, C, F#, G#, D) do not form a simple G# major chord (G#, B#, D#). Instead, they present a complex sonority that contains elements of E major (E, G#) alongside a minor 6th (C), a major 2nd (F#), and a minor 7th (D). This rich blend suggests a tuning designed more for exploring specific tonal centers and unique harmonic extensions rather than simple major/minor triads, offering a wealth of creative possibilities for the adventurous guitarist seeking distinct sonic textures.

Technical Analysis

The base open tuning, before applying the capo, is **B1 D#3 F#4 C#5 D#5 A#5**. This itself is a radical departure from standard tuning, featuring an extremely low bass note (B1) and a significant spread across the strings, setting the stage for unique voicings.

With the capo at the 6th fret, the effective open notes become:

• String 6 (originally Low E, now B1 tuned): E2
• String 5 (originally A, now D#3 tuned): G#3
• String 4 (originally D, now F#4 tuned): C5
• String 3 (originally G, now C#5 tuned): F#5
• String 2 (originally B, now D#5 tuned): G#5
• String 1 (originally High E, now A#5 tuned): D6

Chords and Playability: The non-standard intervals of this tuning encourage exploration beyond conventional chord shapes. Open string arpeggios will yield shimmering, complex sounds, and simple fingerings or barres can produce highly idiosyncratic voicings that are difficult or impossible in standard tuning. For instance, a single finger barred across the second fret (relative to the capo) would create notes like F#, A#, D, G#, A#, E, offering a distinct harmonic flavor. The repeated G# (String 5 & 2) and the prominent F# suggest a potential for G# or F# tonalities to be explored, even if the open chord itself is not diatonic. This tuning is excellent for creating drone-like textures, open-string tapping, and highly syncopated melodic lines due to its unique intervallic relationships.

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

Please exercise extreme caution when tuning, especially with large string movements. For adjustments exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is highly recommended to prevent string breakage, intonation issues, and potential damage to your instrument.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. (Significant movement, consider a heavier gauge string.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 6 semitones to D#3. (Significant movement, consider a heavier gauge string.)
• String 4 (D): Tune up 4 semitones to F#4. (Significant movement, consider a lighter gauge string.)
• String 3 (G): Tune up 6 semitones to C#5. (Significant movement, consider a lighter gauge string.)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 4 semitones to D#5. (Significant movement, consider a lighter gauge string.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 6 semitones to A#5. (Significant movement, consider a lighter gauge string.)

String 6: B1 (Lowest string)

String 5: D#3

String 4: F#4

String 3: C#5

String 2: D#5

String 1: A#5 (Highest string)