The Sayvitch Tuning is a custom guitar tuning notably utilized by Elisey Gretchko, guitarist for bands such as The Sun in June, Sayvitch, and King Victor. This unique tuning offers a distinct tonal landscape, deviating significantly from standard guitar tuning to unlock new harmonic possibilities and chord voicings.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, the open strings of the Sayvitch Tuning (C2 A2 E3 G3 C4 D4) present a rich and complex C6/9 chord (C-E-G-A-D). This gives the tuning an immediate sense of fullness, brightness, and a sophisticated, almost jazzy or open-folk character right from the open position. The presence of the major 6th (A) and major 9th (D) over a C root suggests a versatile tuning that could lend itself well to arpeggiated figures, melodic leads over sustained open notes, and a wide array of non-standard chord shapes. The open C chord makes for a resonant foundation, and the closely clustered high strings (G3 C4 D4) offer interesting voicings and leads. Common chord shapes will feel entirely new, encouraging exploration beyond typical fretboard patterns.

Technical Analysis

This is a custom tuning for a Guitar. Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, the Sayvitch Tuning makes the following adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E) is tuned down 4 semitones to C2.
• String 5 (A) remains at A2.
• String 4 (D) is tuned up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G) remains at G3.
• String 2 (B) is tuned up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (High e) is tuned down 2 semitones to D4.

The resulting open string notes are C2 A2 E3 G3 C4 D4. Analyzing the intervals from low to high:

• C2 to A2: Major 6th
• A2 to E3: Perfect 5th
• E3 to G3: Minor 3rd
• G3 to C4: Perfect 4th
• C4 to D4: Major 2nd (Whole Step)

The tuning features both significant drops (low E string) and raises (D string, B string), creating a unique harmonic spread. The absence of standard perfect fourths or fifths between all adjacent strings (except A-E and G-C) means that familiar chord shapes will not translate directly, requiring a fresh approach to the fretboard. The tuning highlights open voicings and encourages melodic playing around the C major 6/9 framework.

How to Tune

To achieve the Sayvitch Tuning, follow these string adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; for optimal tension and tone, especially if playing aggressively, consider using a heavier gauge string.)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Remember to tune carefully and check string tension, especially with larger semitone movements.