Tuning Overview: Tarboulton

The 'Tarboulton' tuning is a highly distinctive and unusual re-entrant tuning for the guitar. Its open string configuration creates a rich, complex harmonic landscape that deviates significantly from standard tunings, offering unique sonic possibilities. The tuning features a very low C on the 6th string, and notably, the 5th string (A#3) is pitched higher than the 4th string (C3), defining its re-entrant nature. This arrangement allows for unexpected melodic and harmonic voicings, moving away from conventional guitar layouts.

Verbal Analysis:

This tuning immediately conjures a resonant, almost droning quality due to the low C bass note and the combination of C, F, A, and A# (Bb) across the open strings. The presence of F, A, and C strongly suggests an underlying **F Major** harmony, even though the lowest note is C. This means open position playing can easily evoke an F Major sound, perhaps with a low C drone. The inclusion of A# (Bb) adds a bluesy or minor 7th flavor to a C root, or reinforces a Bb Major tonality, providing a broad palette for expressive playing. The re-entrant nature means that arpeggios will sound different, potentially creating a lute-like or mandolin-esque quality in certain phrases. It's a tuning ripe for experimental folk, blues, or world music, allowing for intricate chord voicings and melodic patterns that are otherwise impossible.

Technical Analysis:

• Open String Notes: C2, A#3, C3, F3, A3, F4
• Re-entrant Nature: The 5th string (A#3 or Bb3) is pitched higher than the 4th string (C3). The actual ascending pitch order of the strings is C2, C3, F3, A3, A#3, F4.
• Harmonic Content: The open strings contain the notes C, F, A, and A# (Bb). This collection of notes prominently features an **F Major triad** (F-A-C). With C as the root, it creates a C suspended 4th (C-F) with a Major 6th (C-A) and a minor 7th (C-A#). This makes it suitable for exploring F Major, C7 (with a bluesy or suspended feel), or even Bb Major related harmonies.
• Intervals Between Adjacent Strings (from 6th to 1st string):
  • String 6 (C2) to String 5 (A#3): Major 10th (22 semitones) - A very wide interval spanning more than an octave.
  • String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (C3): Descending Major 6th (9 semitones down) - A significant drop in pitch, highlighting the re-entrant structure.
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
  • String 2 (A3) to String 1 (F4): Minor 6th (7 semitones)

How to Tune:

Below are the instructions to tune your guitar to Tarboulton tuning, detailing the movement from standard EADGBe tuning to the target notes. Pay close attention to the indicated semitone changes.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to **C2**. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string may be advised for optimal tension and playability.)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone to **A#3** (Bb3). (Please note: To achieve A#3 from a standard A2 string requires a substantial pitch increase of 13 semitones. The provided movement instruction of 'up 1 semitone' should be interpreted in the context of reaching the specified target note. Extreme caution and likely a much lighter gauge string are advised to prevent string breakage and ensure proper tension.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to **C3**.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to **F3**.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to **A3**.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E4 to **F4**.

Open String Notes:

• String 6: C2
• String 5: A#3
• String 4: C3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: F4

Note: This is a re-entrant tuning. The 5th string (A#3) is pitched higher than the 4th string (C3), creating a non-linear pitch progression across the strings.