Overview of Mathy Tuning

The "Mathy Tuning" presents a highly unconventional and expansive soundscape, designed primarily for intricate tapping arpeggios. As indicated by its creator, this tuning mandates the use of extra light gauge strings for the G, B, and high E strings (which become A3, D4, and A4 respectively), particularly for the significantly upward-tuned first and second strings. This setup creates a unique harmonic palette that moves far beyond standard guitar voicings.

Technical Analysis and Harmonic Structure

The open string notes for this tuning are C2-G2-C3-A3-D4-A4. This configuration results in a very wide and open sound, favoring individual note clarity and complex melodic patterns over traditional strumming.

• The three lowest strings (C2-G2-C3) form a robust C power chord (Root, Fifth, Octave), providing a strong, resonant foundation.
• The full open tuning, when played across all strings, reveals the unique notes C, G, A, D. This can be conceptualized as a C major triad (C-G-C) with an added Major 6th (A) and Major 9th (D). This rich, extended harmony suggests a Cmaj6/9 sound, offering a bright and sophisticated tonal quality without fretting.
• The intervals between adjacent strings are notably varied:
  • String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect 5th
  • String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): Perfect 4th
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (A3): Major 6th - This is a very large interval between adjacent strings, opening up vast melodic possibilities and wide voicings.
  • String 3 (A3) to String 2 (D4): Perfect 4th
  • String 2 (D4) to String 1 (A4): Perfect 5th

This particular combination of intervals, especially the prominent Major 6th, allows for unique arpeggio patterns and expansive tapping techniques, where the open strings can resonate freely, creating a drone-like effect or serving as pedal tones. Traditional chord shapes will be largely unfamiliar, encouraging exploration of new fingerings and harmonic ideas tailored to this specific tuning.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Mathy Tuning

To achieve the Mathy Tuning (C2 G2 C3 A3 D4 A4) from standard EADGBe tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows. Always tune slowly and check your intonation.

• String 6 (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This brings the string to a C2.
• String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings the string to a G2.
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings the string to a C3.
• String 3 (G to A3): Tune up 2 semitones. This brings the string to an A3.
• String 2 (B to D4): Tune up 3 semitones. This brings the string to a D4.
• String 1 (High E to A4): Tune up 5 semitones. This brings the string to an A4.

Important String Gauge Advice: Please take extreme care with the string adjustments, especially when tuning up. Tuning up 3 or 4 semitones can increase string tension significantly. For String 1, which is tuned up 5 semitones (a full perfect fourth plus a semitone), it is highly recommended to use an extra light gauge string to prevent breakage and avoid excessive stress on your guitar neck. The original tuning description also advises extra light strings for what were standard G, B, and High E strings (now A3, D4, and A4) to accommodate these higher tensions.

String 6: C2

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: A3

String 2: D4

String 1: A4