The 'Twinkle Baritone' tuning is a specialized setup for baritone guitars, designed to explore a rich and expansive sonic palette. As its name suggests, it aims for a unique character, moving significantly away from standard guitar tunings. While the description hints at an "FACGCE variant," the actual notes provided (B1 D3# F3# C4# F4# A4#) diverge considerably, creating an entirely distinct sonic landscape.

Technical & Verbal Analysis

This tuning is exceptionally low and wide-ranging, spanning from a thunderous B1 on the lowest string to a bright A4# on the highest. The intervals between adjacent strings are unconventional:

• 6th String (B1) to 5th String (D3#): A massive 16 semitones (an octave and a major third), creating a very distinct separation between the lowest voice and the rest of the tuning. This allows for powerful, deep bass lines that can stand apart from higher melodies or harmonies.
• 5th String (D3#) to 4th String (F3#): 3 semitones (a minor third).
• 4th String (F3#) to 3rd String (C4#): 6 semitones (a tritone/augmented fourth), adding a dissonant tension.
• 3rd String (C4#) to 2nd String (F4#): 5 semitones (a perfect fourth).
• 2nd String (F4#) to 1st String (A4#): 3 semitones (a minor third).

The overall sonic character is deep, resonant, and somewhat mysterious due to the mix of wide intervals and a tritone. The extremely low B1 provides a foundational drone for complex harmonic structures above it, lending itself to genres like progressive rock, metal, jazz, or ambient music where a broad tonal spectrum is desired.

Chordal Possibilities

When strummed open, the 'Twinkle Baritone' tuning produces a rich, complex sonority rather than a simple, common chord. The open notes are B1, D3#, F3#, C4#, F4#, A4#. Remarkably, if we consider B as the root, the notes B, D#, F#, and A# form a complete B Major 7th chord (B, D#, F#, A#). The additional C4# (from the 3rd string) functions as an added 9th, implying a rich Bmaj9 harmony. This open voicing is particularly suitable for expansive arpeggios or sustained pads.

This suggests the tuning is well-suited for jazz, fusion, or experimental music where complex harmonies are desired. The open Bmaj9 provides a fantastic starting point for melodic exploration and allows for easy access to extended chords simply by fretting one or two notes. The tritone between F3# and C4# (strings 4 and 3) can be leveraged for bluesy or dissonant textures, while the minor third intervals offer a melancholic or dramatic feel. The massive gap between the 6th and 5th strings creates a clear distinction between bass and upper harmony, allowing for intricate counterpoint.

How to Tune 'Twinkle Baritone'

Tuning to 'Twinkle Baritone' requires substantial changes from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Due to the significant downward adjustments, it is highly recommended to use a set of heavier gauge strings designed for baritone or very low tunings to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and tone. Standard strings tuned this low may become loose and difficult to play, and tuning adjustments exceeding four semitones up or down often warrant a different string gauge.

• 6th String (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones.
• 5th String (A to D3#): Tune down 6 semitones.
• 4th String (D to F3#): Tune down 8 semitones.
• 3rd String (G to C4#): Tune down 6 semitones.
• 2nd String (B to F4#): Tune down 5 semitones.
• 1st String (High E to A4#): Tune down 6 semitones.

Exercise caution during the tuning process, especially for the lower strings, and use a reliable tuner to ensure accuracy.

String 6: B1 (Lowest string)

String 5: D3#

String 4: F3#

String 3: C4#

String 2: F4#

String 1: A4# (Highest string)