"Broke hand Tuning" - Verbal Analysis

As described by its creator, this tuning "works a bit" and is aptly named "Broke hand Tuning." It presents a unique, rich sonic landscape, particularly well-suited for open, resonant sounds. The verbal analysis suggests a tuning designed to facilitate playing despite potential physical limitations, possibly by providing complex harmonies with minimal fretting.

At its core, this tuning sets up a beautiful, expansive open A Major 9th chord across all strings. Imagine a full, shimmering chord that rings out just by strumming open strings – this tuning delivers that. The inclusion of the low C# on the 6th string, lower than the A on the 5th, creates an intriguing bass foundation. This makes the tuning excellent for atmospheric music, drone-based compositions, or intricate fingerstyle where the open strings can provide a constant, harmonic bed.

The arrangement of notes allows for the quick creation of various A-based harmonies. Strumming all strings yields a full A Major 9th. By selectively muting or omitting certain strings, you can easily achieve an A Major 7th or a simple A Major triad. The strong A Major tonality, coupled with the low C# on the 6th string, also subtly hints at a C# minor flavor, offering interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities.

"Broke hand Tuning" - Technical Analysis

The "Broke hand Tuning" features the following open notes from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string: C#3 - A2 - C#4 - G#4 - B3 - E4. This is a highly resonant tuning, essentially spelling out an A Major 9th chord (A-C#-E-G#-B) across the open strings, but with a unique voicing.

• String 6 (C#3): Functions as a major third in an A Major context, but is unusually placed as the lowest string, creating a deep, resonant foundation for the chord.
• String 5 (A2): The root of the implied A Major 9th chord, providing a solid anchor.
• String 4 (C#4): An octave higher major third, reinforcing the A Major quality and adding brightness.
• String 3 (G#4): The major seventh, adding the characteristic richness and tension of a major 7th chord.
• String 2 (B3): The ninth, extending the harmony to an A Major 9th and adding sweetness.
• String 1 (E4): The perfect fifth, providing harmonic stability and completeness.

This tuning is characterized by its wide voicings and the immediate availability of a complex chord. The strategic placement of the C# on the lowest string, while the root A is on the 5th string, creates a somewhat suspended or ambiguous feel that is ripe for exploration. It's a powerful tool for composers and guitarists looking for a distinct sound that can inspire new melodic and harmonic ideas.

Open String Notes

Here are the notes for each string in the "Broke hand Tuning" (from lowest to highest):

• 6th String: C3#
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: C4#
• 3rd String: G4#
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune to "Broke hand Tuning"

To achieve the "Broke hand Tuning," follow these instructions for each string:

• 6th String (Lowest): Tune to C3#. This involves tuning it down 3 semitones from its standard pitch.
• 5th String: Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard pitch.
• 4th String: Tune to C4#. This involves tuning it down 1 semitones from its standard pitch.
• 3rd String: Tune to G4#. This involves tuning it up 1 semitones from its standard pitch.
• 2nd String: Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard pitch.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard pitch.

No string requires a movement of more than 4 semitones up or down, so a change in string gauge is generally not required for this tuning.