Tuning Overview: Pygmy Resonance

This unique tuning, described by the user as an "Edited Pygmy Tuning," is specifically designed for songs that require a Pygmy Scale. It creates a deeply resonant and open sound, perfect for atmospheric, modal, and ethnic-inspired compositions. The particular arrangement of open strings encourages the discovery of non-traditional chord voicings and melodic patterns.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to C2-F2-G2-A3-C4-D4 (from the lowest to the highest string). This collection of notes (C, D, F, G, A) hints at a rich modal character, strongly resonating with the concept of a "Pygmy Scale." Strumming all open strings together produces a complex and evocative harmony, which can be perceived as an Fmaj7sus2 chord (with its constituent notes F, A, C, D, G forming F2-G2-A3-C4-D4) or a C6add4 chord (C, F, G, A, D with C2-F2-G2-A3-C4-D4). This open voicing creates a natural drone-like quality, making it ideal for sustained notes and expansive soundscapes.

The lower strings are tuned to significantly lower pitches (C2, F2, G2), providing a robust and deep foundation. The interval between the 6th string (C2) and 5th string (F2) is a Perfect 4th, followed by a Major 2nd from the 5th (F2) to the 4th string (G2). A distinctive characteristic of this tuning is the substantial pitch jump from the 4th string (G2) to the 3rd string (A3), which spans an octave and a Major 2nd. This wide interval creates unique possibilities for melodic counterpoint and rich, open-voiced chords.

The higher strings (A3, C4, D4) are tuned in relatively close intervals—a Minor 3rd from A3 to C4, and a Major 2nd from C4 to D4. These intervals provide accessible melodic clusters and allow for easy formation of upper-register harmonies. Due to the open string relationships, chords that might be particularly accessible include variations of F major, C major, and Gsus2/Gadd9, often incorporating the open strings as resonant drones or foundational tones. Simple one or two-finger shapes are likely to yield surprising and evocative harmonies, making it an excellent tuning for creative exploration.

How to Tune

To tune your guitar to Pygmy Resonance from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. (Note: This is a substantial drop. For optimal tone and string tension, especially if used regularly, a heavier gauge string is advised.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either tuning up or down), particularly the significant 7-semitone drop on the 4th string, it is strongly recommended to use a different gauge string. This helps maintain proper string tension, intonation, and prevents potential damage to your guitar or the strings themselves.

Here are the specific target notes for each string in Pygmy Resonance tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: F2
• 4th String: G2
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: D4