Verbal and Technical Analysis

This tuning, aptly named "Modified Violin 5ths," takes the foundational concept of a violin's perfect fifths and adapts it for the guitar, with a crucial adjustment on the second string to prevent excessive tension. It offers a unique sonic landscape, far removed from standard tuning. The open strings immediately present a ringing, almost orchestral quality, especially with the lower register starting on C. This can lend itself beautifully to drone-based music, folk, and experimental genres, encouraging exploration beyond familiar chord shapes.

Technically, the open string notes are C2 G2 D3 A3 D4 G4. The intervals between the strings are primarily perfect fifths (C2-G2, G2-D3, D3-A3) on the lower strings, transitioning to perfect fourths (A3-D4, D4-G4) on the higher strings. This combination diverges from a strict "Violin 5ths" tuning, which would feature perfect fifths throughout. This modification makes the tuning more guitar-friendly and less prone to string breakage on the higher strings, as highlighted in the original description's intention to prevent the B string from being "eviscerated."

Open Chords and Playability

The open strings C-G-D-A-D-G create a rich, complex harmony. Strumming all open strings yields an extended C Major harmony (specifically a Cadd9 with an added A, or Cmaj6/9), providing a full, resonant sound. The lower perfect fifths make power chords highly accessible and powerful, while the upper perfect fourths offer more familiar shapes akin to standard tuning's G-B-E string relationship. This blend allows for both strong, open voicings and melodic possibilities on the top strings.

How to Tune 'Modified Violin 5ths'

To achieve this unique tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard EADGBe:

• Low E String (6th String): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. Caution is advised as this is a significant drop; ensure your string gauge can handle the slack without buzzing.
• A String (5th String): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• D String (4th String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• G String (3rd String): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• B String (2nd String): Tune up 3 semitones to D4. This is a significant increase in tension. Consider a lighter gauge string if you plan to use this tuning regularly to prevent string breakage and neck stress.
• High E String (1st String): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. Similar to the B string, this is a substantial increase in tension. A lighter gauge string is recommended for safety and playability.

String Gauge Advisory: For the low E string (tuning down 4 semitones) and especially the B and high E strings (tuning up 3 semitones), consider changing to a more appropriate string gauge. Tuning up 3 or 4 semitones on standard strings can lead to premature string breakage and put excessive stress on your guitar's neck. Conversely, tuning down 4 semitones might make the string too floppy, requiring a heavier gauge for better playability.

Here's a detailed breakdown of each string in "Modified Violin 5ths" tuning:

• 6th String (Low C): Tuned to C2, this provides a deep, resonant bass foundation, anchoring the tuning with a powerful low note, 4 semitones lower than standard E.
• 5th String (G): Tuned to G2, forming a perfect fifth with the low C, contributing to the open, resonant character. It's 2 semitones lower than standard A.
• 4th String (D): Tuned to D3, it maintains its standard pitch and forms a perfect fifth with the G string below it, continuing the powerful lower interval structure.
• 3rd String (A): Tuned to A3, this string is raised 2 semitones from standard G, creating another perfect fifth with the D below and a perfect fourth with the D above.
• 2nd String (D): Tuned to D4, it's raised 3 semitones from standard B. This string is a key modification from a strict "violin 5ths" tuning, making it a perfect fourth above the A string. This adjustment helps maintain string integrity and playability while still offering a strong harmonic voice.
• 1st String (High G): Tuned to G4, raised 3 semitones from standard E, it completes the tuning with a perfect fourth above the D string. This top string, along with the 2nd string, forms a Dsus4 interval (D-G) which provides a bright, open quality to the higher register.