Verbal and Technical Analysis of the Persian Scale Open Tuning

This unique open tuning transforms your Guitar into a gateway for exploring the exotic and complex sounds of the Persian Scale. As described in the tuning's lineage, this scale is known for its distinctive character, marked by a liberal use of half steps, augmented seconds, and frequent chromaticism, setting it apart from more common diatonic or harmonic minor scales. It is also noted as being akin to the Locrian mode, but with a major third and a major seventh degree.

Technically, this tuning sets the open strings to the notes C2, C#4, E3, F3, F#4, B3 from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. When considering these notes within a single octave (e.g., relative to C), they form the pitch collection C, C#, E, F, F#, B. This specific arrangement of notes directly reflects the theoretical structure of the Persian Scale, showcasing its inherent chromaticism with multiple half-step intervals (C-C#, E-F, F-F#) and wider, evocative jumps.

Musical Implications and Chordal Possibilities:

Unlike many open tunings designed for easy major or minor chords, the Persian Scale Open Tuning is built for a different purpose. The open strings themselves do not form a conventional consonant chord, but rather a dissonant, chromatic cluster that is ideal for creating specific modal textures and melodic lines. The significant intervallic jumps and close chromatic clusters between strings (e.g., E3, F3, F#4) will guide your hand towards unique melodic phrases and arpeggios that highlight the scale's exotic flavor.

• Drones and Rhythmic Patterns: The low C2 on the 6th string provides a strong root or drone, allowing the upper, more chromatically dense strings to weave intricate melodies and harmonies against it. The C#4 on the 5th string immediately introduces a distinctive tension or "Persian" sound over the C root, creating a powerful foundation for Middle Eastern-inspired music.
• Melodic Exploration: The tight cluster of E3, F3, and F#4 (on strings 4, 3, and 2 respectively) encourages rapid melodic runs and embellishments that fully exploit the half-step and augmented second intervals unique to this scale. This arrangement is particularly conducive to fast, flowing licks characteristic of traditional Middle Eastern music.
• Unconventional Chord Voicings: While standard barre chords will not translate easily, the tuning invites experimentation with partial chords and voicings that utilize the open strings. Try playing two or three adjacent open strings, or combinations with a fretted bass note, to discover rich and unconventional harmonic possibilities perfectly suited for fusion, world music, or film scoring. For example, barring across the E3, F3, F#4 notes on strings 4, 3, and 2 will give you a dense, clustered sound that is characteristic of this scale's inherent dissonance.

This tuning is an excellent choice for guitarists looking to break free from traditional Western harmonies and delve into the rich melodic and harmonic landscapes of Middle Eastern music, fostering creativity through its unique intervallic structure.

Tuning Notes

Here are the target notes for each string in the Persian Scale Open Tuning:

• String 6 (low E string): C2
• String 5 (A string): C#4
• String 4 (D string): E3
• String 3 (G string): F3
• String 2 (B string): F#4
• String 1 (high E string): B3

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Persian Scale Open Tuning, follow these instructions for each string. Please exercise caution, especially with significant pitch changes, and consider string gauge recommendations for changes exceeding 4 semitones.

• String 6: Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (Exercise caution as this is a notable drop in pitch).
• String 5: Tune up 4 semitones to C#4. (Exercise caution as this is a notable increase in pitch).
• String 4: Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3: Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2: Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. (Caution: A different gauge string is advised for this significant drop in pitch to prevent floppiness or intonation issues).
• String 1: Tune down 5 semitones to B3. (Caution: A different gauge string is advised for this significant drop in pitch to prevent floppiness or intonation issues).