The Bron-y-aur Stomp tuning for the Guitar is famously associated with the Led Zeppelin song of the same name. This unique tuning provides a rich, open sound that perfectly complements the folk and blues influences found in their acoustic work.

Verbal Analysis

At its heart, this tuning creates a deep and resonant open F Major chord, specifically an F major chord with a C in the bass (F/C). This means that strumming all open strings will produce a full, harmonious sound without needing to fret any notes. The low C string provides a strong, earthy foundation, allowing for powerful bass lines and drone notes. The overall feel is one of openness and warmth, making it ideal for fingerpicking and rhythmic strumming patterns, characteristic of acoustic folk and rock music often explored by Jimmy Page.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are configured as C2-F2-C3-F3-A3-F4. Analyzing these notes, we find the following intervals and chord structure:

• The notes C, F, and A are the constituent notes of an F Major chord.
• The open tuning presents an F Major triad (F-A-C) across multiple octaves, with the lowest string tuned to C, making it an F Major chord in its second inversion (F/C).
• This arrangement facilitates easy access to F Major tonalities. By simply barring across various frets, you can transpose this open F chord shape to other major keys; for example, barring at the 2nd fret would yield a G Major chord (G/D).
• Relative minor chords (like D minor, which is the relative minor of F major) can also be easily discovered with slight fret adjustments and specific fingerings.

The tuning offers a wide sonic palette for both melodic and harmonic playing, particularly suited for slide guitar or for creating drone-based compositions due to its rich, open harmonic structure.

Open String Notes:

String 6 (low E string): C2
String 5 (A string): F2
String 4 (D string): C3
String 3 (G string): F3
String 2 (B string): A3
String 1 (high E string): F4

How to Tune:

To achieve the Bron-y-aur Stomp tuning from standard E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4 tuning, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones significantly reduces string tension. For prolonged use, or if you experience excessive floppiness or intonation issues, a lighter gauge string is advised.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2. (Note: Similar to String 6, a significant tension reduction. Consider a lighter gauge for optimal playability and stable tuning.)
• 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 semitones from E4 to F4.

Always use a reliable tuner and check intonation after tuning, especially with significant pitch changes to ensure your guitar plays in tune across the fretboard.