The F5 (Fifth) tuning, also known as CFCFCF, is a distinctive and highly resonant tuning famously used by artists like Nick Drake to inspire original musical compositions. It creates a rich, open F5 power chord when strummed open, offering a robust and modern sonic foundation. This tuning is the same as if you had a capo on the first fret of the BEBEBE tunings.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is characterized by its repeating pattern of intervals: a perfect fourth from C to F, followed by a perfect fifth from F to C, and this pattern repeats across all six strings (C2-F2-C3-F3-C4-F4). This structure not only results in the open F5 power chord (F-C-F) across all six strings but also makes many power chords and open string drones easily accessible. Due to the consistent interval relationships, certain chord shapes can be shifted across the fretboard to achieve different voicings of power chords or suspended chords. The repetition of C and F notes across the strings creates a harmonically stable environment, ideal for modal playing or generating sustained, ethereal textures. While providing a unique sound, users should note the significant tuning adjustments required: the thinnest last two strings are tuned up, while the thickest strings are tuned down considerably. Adapting your guitar to this tuning can be risky, especially for the high strings.

Open Chord Possibilities & Reach Chords:

• Open F5 Power Chord: The most obvious, played by strumming all open strings, producing a powerful and full F5 chord.
• Power Chords: The consistent pattern of fourths and fifths makes moving simple two or three-finger power chord shapes across the neck very intuitive. For example, barring a single fret across two or three strings will often yield a movable power chord or an inverted power chord.
• Drones and Harmonics: The strong fundamental (F) and fifth (C) notes across the strings lend themselves well to droning techniques and exploring natural harmonics, creating atmospheric soundscapes.
• Open & Sus2/Sus4 Chords: By fretting just one or two strings, you can easily create open voicings for Fsus2 (adding a G) or Fsus4 (adding a Bb) chords, leveraging the existing F-C-F structure.

Here are the notes for each string in the F5 (Fifth) tuning, starting from the thickest string:

• 6th String (Low E string equivalent): C2
• 5th String (A string equivalent): F2
• 4th String (D string equivalent): C3
• 3rd String (G string equivalent): F3
• 2nd String (B string equivalent): C4
• 1st String (High E string equivalent): F4

How to Tune:

To achieve the F5 (Fifth) tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these steps. Please note that significant tuning changes can affect string tension and intonation. Generally, for strings requiring adjustments of more than 4 semitones (up or down), considering a different string gauge is strongly advised to maintain playability and prevent string damage or breakage. Take particular care with the thinnest strings being tuned up.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C. This is a considerable drop; a heavier gauge string might be beneficial for optimal tension and tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A to F. Similar to the 6th string, this is a significant drop where a heavier gauge could improve performance.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C. This is a moderate adjustment.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G to F. This is a moderate adjustment.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B to C. This is a minor adjustment, but as a thinner string, monitor its tension.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E to F. This is a minor adjustment, but as the thinnest string, monitor its tension carefully to avoid breakage.