The tuning named "Major Thirds" presents a highly unique and somewhat unconventional approach to guitar voicing. While the name suggests a consistent intervallic relationship of major thirds between adjacent strings, a detailed technical analysis reveals a more complex structure, incorporating various intervals including major thirds, major thirds an octave higher, and a significant descending diminished fifth.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately stands out due to its open chord. Strumming all open strings produces a rich and resonant C Augmented chord (C-E-G#), spread across several octaves (C2, E2, C3, E3, G#3, G#4). This makes it an ideal canvas for exploring augmented harmonies, creating a sense of tension, mystery, or dreaminess. Players might find this tuning inspiring for avant-garde, jazz, or film score compositions, where traditional major/minor tonalities are less desired. The wide intervallic jumps, particularly the major third plus an octave, will give the instrument a very open and spacious sound, allowing chords to ring out with distinct voicings. However, the unconventional string order (G#3 on string 4 then C3 on string 3) creates a descending interval between these strings, which might pose a challenge for players accustomed to more linear or ascending tunings, requiring a fresh approach to fretboard navigation and chord shapes.

Technical Analysis

Let's examine the intervals between adjacent strings, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (E2): Major Third (4 semitones).
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (G#3): Major Third plus an Octave (16 semitones). This means the note G# is a major third above E, but played an entire octave higher than a simple major third interval would suggest.
• String 4 (G#3) to String 3 (C3): Descending Diminished Fifth (-9 semitones). This is a particularly unusual and large descending interval. While C3 to G#3 is an Augmented Fourth (6 semitones), the G#3 is actually higher than the C3, making it a step down. This interval fundamentally alters the expected "Major Thirds" pattern across all strings.
• String 3 (C3) to String 2 (E3): Major Third (4 semitones).
• String 2 (E3) to String 1 (G#4): Major Third plus an Octave (16 semitones), similar to the 5th to 4th string relationship.

The open string notes C, E, G# form a C Augmented triad (C-E-G#). This strong augmented harmony will dominate the sound when strumming open, guiding the player towards harmonically rich and perhaps dissonant (in a beautiful way) chord voicings. The presence of consistent major thirds in certain string pairs (6-5, 3-2) suggests that horizontal fingerings across these pairs could be musically intuitive, while the large and descending interval between strings 4 and 3 will demand unique fingerings and a re-imagining of common chord shapes. Chords based on the C Augmented scale or exploring modal sounds with an augmented flavor would be particularly accessible.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e). Due to the substantial semitone movements on most strings, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge, particularly for strings 1-5, to maintain proper tension, intonation, and prevent potential damage to your guitar. Always tune slowly and carefully.

• String 6 (Low E, standard E2): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. (This movement is at the threshold of recommending a different string gauge. Proceed with caution.)
• String 5 (A, standard A2): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (A different string gauge is advised.)
• String 4 (D, standard D3): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. (A different string gauge is advised.)
• String 3 (G, standard G3): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. (A different string gauge is advised.)
• String 2 (B, standard B3): Tune down 7 semitones to E3. (A different string gauge is advised.)
• String 1 (High E, standard E4): Tune down 8 semitones to G#4. (A different string gauge is advised.)

The open notes for this "Major Thirds" tuning are as follows (from thickest to thinnest string):

• String 6: C2
• String 5: E2
• String 4: G#3
• String 3: C3
• String 2: E3
• String 1: G#4