The Federiciano tuning offers a rich and distinctive sonic landscape, deeply rooted in the note of B. The open strings are tuned to B2-F#3-B2-G3-B3-E4. This unique arrangement creates a powerful and resonant foundation, characterized by its open, minor-tinged harmony and strong drone potential.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a vast, open sound, somewhat somber yet incredibly full. The Federiciano tuning immediately evokes a sense of depth and atmosphere. With two B notes (on strings 6 and 4) tuned to the same octave, it provides an almost symphonic bass presence. The F# on the 5th string forms a perfect fifth with the root B, giving it a strong, open power chord feel. The G on the 3rd string introduces a touch of melancholy, suggesting a minor harmony, while the E on the highest string adds a suspended or atmospheric quality, preventing it from sounding like a straightforward major or minor chord.

This tuning is not for the faint of heart; it requires exploration. It lends itself beautifully to genres that benefit from sustained, rich tones, such as ambient, folk, or even certain styles of metal or progressive music. Fingerpicking will allow the individual voices to ring out, emphasizing the intricate intervals, while strumming all open strings creates a massive, resonant sound that can be surprisingly versatile.

Technical Analysis

• Open Harmony: The open strings B-F#-B-G-B-E, when played together, create a complex sonority that can be interpreted as a B minor 6th with an added 11th (B, D, F#, G, E). The absence of a D in the open tuning keeps it from being a full B minor, instead giving it a more open, modal sound.
• Root Reinforcement: The prominent B2 on both the 6th and 4th strings, coupled with B3 on the 2nd string, provides exceptional reinforcement of the root note across different octaves, making for a very strong bass foundation.
• Intervals: The intervals between adjacent strings are: Perfect 5th (B2-F#3), Perfect 4th (F#3-B2), Major 3rd (B2-G3), Major 3rd (G3-B3), and Perfect 4th (B3-E4). These varying intervals create unique opportunities for chord voicings and melodic lines.
• Chord Possibilities: While the open strings suggest a B minor 6th/11th, simple finger placements can quickly unlock new harmonies. For instance, barring across a single fret will produce interesting modal clusters or movable power chords. Adding a D note (e.g., 2nd fret on string 1, or 3rd fret on string 2 if B3 were tuned down) would complete a B minor triad. The consistent B-F#-B-G-B structure across the lower and middle strings makes it easy to find different voicings of B minor or B minor 6th chords by simply moving shapes up and down the neck.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Federiciano

To achieve the Federiciano tuning, you will adjust your strings from standard EADGBe tuning. Please tune each string carefully, checking the pitch frequently.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 7 semitones to B2. Caution: This is a significant change (7 semitones up). Tuning a string up by more than 4 semitones can put considerable stress on your guitar neck and string. If your guitar is not designed for such high tension, or if you plan to keep this tuning for an extended period, consider using a different string gauge or consulting a professional luthier to avoid potential damage to your instrument.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).