Tuning Overview: All-Fifths

The "All-Fifths" tuning, as described in the provided notes, presents a unique and adventurous soundscape for guitarists. While its name suggests an 'all-fifths' interval structure across the board, the actual open notes reveal a more varied and intriguing set of intervals. This makes it a distinct variant rather than a strict all-fifths system, offering an alternative take on a 'New Standard Tuning' philosophy by moving away from traditional EADGBe.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to C2 - G2 - C3 - D3 - E4 - B4 (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string). Let's examine the intervals between adjacent strings:

• 6th String (C2) to 5th String (G2): A Perfect Fifth (P5). This is 7 semitones up.
• 5th String (G2) to 4th String (C3): A Perfect Fourth (P4). This is 5 semitones up.
• 4th String (C3) to 3rd String (D3): A Major Second (M2). This is 2 semitones up.
• 3rd String (D3) to 2nd String (E4): A Major Ninth (M9), which is an octave plus a Major Second. This is a very significant interval jump (14 semitones), creating a remarkably wide harmonic space.
• 2nd String (E4) to 1st String (B4): A Perfect Fifth (P5). This is 7 semitones up.

The tuning is characterized by a strong presence of Perfect Fifths and a Perfect Fourth, providing a resonant foundation, particularly in the lower and highest strings. The inclusion of a Major Second and, most notably, the exceptionally wide Major Ninth interval between the 3rd and 2nd strings, deviates from a pure 'all-fifths' pattern. This deviation creates unique harmonic possibilities, potentially challenging traditional fingerings but rewarding those who explore new voicings.

Chordal Exploration & Playability

This non-standard tuning encourages guitarists to rethink traditional chord shapes and embrace new sonic textures. With the open C-G-C on the lower three strings (6th, 5th, 4th), you can effortlessly achieve a rich, resonant C5 power chord or a full Csus2 voicing. The C-G-C-D structure across the lowest four strings allows for an expansive Cadd9 if the high D is incorporated. The higher strings, featuring D3, E4, and B4, offer interesting melodic opportunities and open voicings. For instance, open strings 4, 3, 2 (C3-D3-E4) provide an ascending fragment of a C major arpeggio, offering a strong tonal center. Open strings 2 and 1 (E4-B4) form an E5 power chord, which can be integrated into broader harmonic structures. This tuning is particularly well-suited for styles that benefit from deep, resonant bass drones, wide interval chords, and experimental harmonic landscapes, such as ambient music, progressive rock, or modern jazz.

How to Tune Your Guitar to All-Fifths

To achieve this distinctive tuning, you will need to make significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please pay close attention to the semitone changes and consider the recommendations for string gauges to ensure optimal playability and instrument safety:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2.
  Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant pitch drop. A heavier gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension, prevent string buzz, and achieve better tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3.
  Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change. Consider a heavier gauge string for improved tension and intonation.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones from B3 to E4.
  Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones significantly increases string tension. A lighter gauge string is strongly advised to prevent string breakage and potential stress on the guitar neck.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 7 semitones from E4 to B4.
  Extreme Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones is a very drastic change in pitch. A much lighter gauge string is essential to prevent immediate string breakage and potential damage to your instrument's bridge or neck. Proceed with extreme care and check intonation frequently.

Always tune carefully and incrementally. For strings with large upward movements, it's safer to use a lighter gauge string to avoid excessive tension and potential damage to your instrument or string breakage. For large downward movements, a heavier gauge string will help maintain better intonation and tension, reducing fret buzz.