Tuning Analysis: Wahlsteen's All-Time High

This unique guitar tuning, aptly named "Wahlsteen's All-Time High" (originally referred to as "All time high tuning" for a Jimmy Wahlsteen song), is a custom setup designed to achieve a specific sonic landscape. It significantly deviates from standard guitar tuning (EADGBe), offering a wide dynamic and harmonic range.

Verbal Analysis

The "Wahlsteen's All-Time High" tuning presents a rich and complex sonic character. The low C#3 on the 6th string provides a deep, resonant foundation, while the surprisingly high C#5 on the 1st string creates a bright, shimmering top end, spanning a full two octaves from the lowest to the highest string. This vast range allows for expansive voicings and allows the guitar to cut through a mix with clarity.

The open strings (C#3 A2 D3 A3 B3 C#5) create an open, almost ambient chord. It features a strong C# root presence but is far from a simple major or minor triad. The inclusion of D3 alongside C#3 introduces a minor second interval, which can be perceived as either tense and dramatic or beautifully resonant and modal, depending on context. The stacked A notes (A2, A3) provide a strong A presence, while the B3 adds to a complex, perhaps Lydian or Dorian-influenced, sonic palette.

While not lending itself to traditional chord shapes, this tuning is likely crafted for open string arpeggios, intricate fingerstyle passages, and resonant drones. The intervalic relationships (C# - D - A - B - C#) suggest a sound that is both soaring and grounded, perfect for the "All Time High" concept mentioned in its description. Players might find themselves gravitating towards open string sustained chords or exploring melodic lines that leverage the unique half-step and whole-step relationships available across the fretboard.

Technical Analysis

The tuning for the Guitar is as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): C#3
• String 5 (A): A2
• String 4 (D): D3
• String 3 (G): A3
• String 2 (B): B3
• String 1 (High E): C#5

Compared to standard EADGBe tuning:

• String 6 (E2): Tuned significantly up to C#3 (9 semitones higher than standard E2).
• String 5 (A2): Remains at A2 (standard).
• String 4 (D3): Remains at D3 (standard).
• String 3 (G3): Tuned up to A3 (2 semitones higher than standard G3).
• String 2 (B3): Remains at B3 (standard).
• String 1 (E4): Tuned significantly up to C#5 (9 semitones higher than standard E4).

The open string notes C#3, A2, D3, A3, B3, C#5, when considered harmonically, form a rich and somewhat dissonant cluster. From the lowest string, the intervals are: Root (C#), Major 6th below the root (A), Major 9th (D), Major 6th (A), Major 7th (B), and a Major 10th (C# two octaves up). The presence of the D a half-step above the low C# creates a characteristic tension. This tuning encourages exploration of open voicings rather than standard chord shapes, offering a sound that is both ethereal and powerful. Open chords would likely leverage the C# root, often incorporating the open A, D, and B strings for suspended or modal qualities. For instance, an open strum could evoke a sense of C#sus2 with additional higher extensions.

How to Tune: Wahlsteen's All-Time High

To achieve the "Wahlsteen's All-Time High" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these specific string adjustments. Please be aware of the large pitch changes on some strings, as detailed below.

• String 6 (Low E - E2): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#3. Important Note: While the instruction specifies tuning down 3 semitones, to reach the target note of C#3 from a standard E2, you will actually be tuning up 9 semitones. This is a very significant increase in tension. A different gauge string is strongly advised for this string to prevent breakage and ensure proper tone.
• String 5 (A - A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is A2.
• String 4 (D - D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is D3.
• String 3 (G - G3): Tune up 2 semitones to reach A3.
• String 2 (B - B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is B3.
• String 1 (High E - E4): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#5. Important Note: Similar to String 6, while the instruction specifies tuning down 3 semitones, to reach the target note of C#5 from a standard E4, you will actually be tuning up 9 semitones. This is an extreme increase in tension for a high string. A different gauge string (likely a much lighter gauge to prevent breakage) is strongly advised for this string.