Tuning Analysis: axyz Tuning

The 'axyz Tuning', an intriguing creation born from experimentation with NST (New Standard Tuning) and a blend of baritone and light guitar strings, offers a truly unique sonic landscape. This tuning deviates significantly from standard guitar tuning, employing a wide range of intervals and requiring careful attention to string tension, making it suitable for adventurous players.

Verbal Description

At its core, this tuning provides a deep, resonant foundation with its lowest B1 string, quickly moving into a powerful G power chord on the middle strings (G2, D3, G3). This creates a strong, ringing drone potential, offering a solid base for rhythmic or melodic exploration. The transition from the G3 to A3 is a concise major second, which can offer interesting, tight voicings or melodic movement in the middle register. However, the most striking feature is the extremely high F5# on the first string. This note is dramatically higher than any other string on a typical guitar, acting almost like a separate, high-pitched melodic or harmonic voice. It suggests a tuning designed for percussive, drone-based rhythms, open string melodic lines, or as a canvas for exploring modern and experimental soundscapes. The creator's mention of mixed string gauges (baritone for low strings, light for high) is crucial here, as it facilitates these extreme tension changes and the vast tonal range, enabling the instrument to handle such a demanding setup.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes, from lowest (6th) to highest (1st), are B1-G2-D3-G3-A3-F5#. Let's examine the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (B1) to String 5 (G2): A Minor 6th (8 semitones).
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (D3): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones).
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (A3): A Major 2nd (2 semitones).
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (F5#): A highly extended interval of two octaves and a Major 3rd (27 semitones). This is an exceptionally wide jump for adjacent strings, highlighting the tuning's unique design for specific melodic or textural purposes, where the high F5# might serve as a distinct, bright voice.

The open string combination presents interesting harmonic opportunities:

• Open G Power Chord (G5): Easily achieved on strings 5, 4, and 3 (G2, D3, G3). This provides an immediate, strong harmonic center.
• Implied G Major Triad: The B1 on the lowest string, combined with G2 and D3, creates a G Major sound (G-B-D) with B in the bass, giving it a second inversion feel and a rich, full low end.
• Drone Potential: The two Gs (G2, G3) provide excellent drone possibilities, allowing for sustained notes that underpin melodic or rhythmic ideas.
• High Melodic Voice: The F5# string (String 1) is a significant outlier. It can be used for sparkling, chime-like effects, stark, angular melodies, or as a high harmonic accent over chords played on the lower strings. For example, over a D major or B minor tonality, the F# would fit perfectly.
• Unique Voicings: Chords across the low B1 and the G-D-G group will create rich, often dissonant, and extended voicings that will require careful exploration. The tight G-A interval on strings 3-2 also offers unique fingerings for clustered chords, expanding the harmonic palette beyond standard shapes.

This tuning emphasizes open string resonance and encourages unconventional chord shapes, particularly in the upper register where the F5# can create distinct, cutting textures.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'axyz Tuning', follow these string-by-string instructions from your current tuning (assuming standard EADGBe for reference on pitch changes, though the movements are absolute):

• String 6 (Lowest): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: B1.
• String 5: Tune up 3 semitones. Target Note: G2.
• String 4: Tune up 5 semitones. Target Note: D3. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in string tension. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string for this pitch to prevent breakage and potential neck damage.)
• String 3: Tune up 5 semitones. Target Note: G3. (Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in string tension. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string for this pitch to prevent breakage and potential neck damage.)
• String 2: Tune up 2 semitones. Target Note: A3.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune up 7 semitones. Target Note: F5#. (Extreme Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones is a very substantial increase in string tension. A much lighter gauge string is absolutely essential for this pitch to prevent breakage and potential neck damage. This movement is at the limit of what is generally considered safe for standard guitar strings.)

Always tune carefully and incrementally. Given the large upward movements, particularly on strings 4, 3, and 1, a suitable set of mixed gauge strings (as indicated by the tuning's description) is highly recommended for optimal playability, intonation, and instrument safety. Consult a luthier if unsure about your instrument's suitability for such high tension.

String 6: B1 (Lowest string)

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: A3

String 1: F5# (Highest string)