Tuning Analysis: Safe NST

The 'Safe NST' tuning is a thoughtful modification of standard guitar tuning, described by its creator as an exploration of 'New Standard Tuning' (NST) concepts while ensuring the high E string remains under manageable tension. This tuning offers a unique sonic landscape, blending deep, resonant lows with an intricate upper register.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, Safe NST provides a powerful foundation with its low C and G strings, evoking a sense of depth often associated with baritone or dropped tunings. The initial sequence of perfect fifths (C-G-D-A) across the four lowest strings creates a strong, consistent harmonic base, making power chords and bass lines incredibly resonant and easy to access. This gives the tuning a cello-like quality in its lower register.

The upper strings, however, introduce a delightful harmonic twist. The interval shifts from perfect fifths to a minor third (A to C) and then a perfect fourth (C to F), breaking the consistent pattern and demanding a fresh approach to chord voicings. This asymmetry creates an open, almost suspended quality when strumming all strings, leaning towards a C major tonality but with a unique, airy character.

Open string chords can be particularly inspiring. Strumming all open strings (C-G-D-A-C-F) yields a rich, complex sound containing the notes C, D, F, G, and A. This can be interpreted as a C major chord with added 9th (D), 11th (F), and 13th (A), but crucially without a major third (E), giving it an open, ambiguous, and modern feel. The presence of a strong F major triad (F-A-C) across the D, G, B, and high E strings (when played open) interacting with the low C offers interesting polytonal possibilities. Power chords built on the lower strings will be exceptionally robust due to the perfect fifth intervals. Many standard chord shapes will need to be re-imagined, especially on the upper strings, offering creative opportunities for unique harmonies and voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: C2 – G2 – D3 – A3 – C4 – F4 (from lowest to highest string).

The intervals between consecutive open strings are:

• String 6 (C2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (A3): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (C4): Minor 3rd (+3 semitones)
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (F4): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)

This structure provides a consistent foundation of perfect fifths on the lower strings, which is excellent for expansive power chords and basslines. The shift to a minor third and then a perfect fourth on the higher strings creates interesting harmonic tension and opportunities for unique voicings that depart from conventional guitar chord shapes. This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard fingering patterns, opening doors to new melodic and harmonic ideas.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Safe NST' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning, follow these steps. Please note the recommendations for string gauge when making significant changes.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. If this feels too slack or causes intonation issues, consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E4 to F4.

String 6: C2 (Lowest string, typically E string)

String 5: G2 (Typically A string)

String 4: D3 (Typically D string)

String 3: A3 (Typically G string)

String 2: C4 (Typically B string)

String 1: F4 (Highest string, typically high E string)