Tuning Analysis: Major Thirds Reverse

The Major Thirds Reeverse tuning is an exceptionally bold and experimental setup designed to challenge conventional guitar playing and unlock new sonic landscapes. As its name suggests, it prominently features "reverse" major third intervals, creating a distinctive "upside-down" feel on the fretboard. This makes it particularly fertile ground for exploring complex chord inversions and facilitating unique bending techniques, which the original description highlights as being reminiscent of Albert King's style, especially on the higher strings. It's a tuning that will likely appeal to blues, jazz, and experimental musicians looking to break free from standard voicings and discover fresh harmonic possibilities.

Technical Observations:

• Open String Notes: From low to high, the open strings are C#3, A2, F3, C#4, A3, F4.
• Intervallic Structure (from low to high string):
  • String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (A2): A Major Third down (-4 semitones). This is a highly unusual and defining characteristic.
  • String 5 (A2) to String 4 (F3): A Perfect Fourth up (+5 semitones).
  • String 4 (F3) to String 3 (C#4): A Tritone (Augmented Fourth) up (+6 semitones).
  • String 3 (C#4) to String 2 (A3): A Major Third down (-4 semitones). This repeats the unique "reverse" major third interval.
  • String 2 (A3) to String 1 (F4): A Minor Sixth up (+8 semitones).
• Harmonic Potential: The open strings contain the notes A, C#, and F across various octaves. This collection of notes suggests an F augmented major seventh chord (F-A-C#-E, but without the E) or an A major triad with an added flat 6th (F). The presence of A2, C#3, A3, C#4 forms a strong A major arpeggio across the instrument.

Chordal and Playability Insights:

• The "reverse" major third intervals between String 6 and 5, and String 3 and 2, mean that simple two-finger shapes can produce interesting major third voicings and inversions across these string pairs. This structural oddity is precisely what makes it "Great for Chord inversion."
• The high pitches of the 3rd (C#4) and 1st (F4) strings, potentially combined with altered string tension due to the significant movements, may contribute to the claim of "easy Albert King bends." Guitarists might find these strings more pliable for deep, expressive bends characteristic of the blues legend.
• Traditional chord shapes will likely be completely redefined, requiring players to re-learn the fretboard. However, this challenge is also an opportunity for creative discovery, pushing players to think outside standard box patterns.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Major Thirds Reeverse

To achieve the Major Thirds Reeverse tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the following instructions. For reference, standard guitar tuning is E-A-D-G-B-e (from low to high).

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#3.
• String 5 (A string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• String 4 (D string): Tune up 3 semitones from D to F3.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 6 semitones to C#4. Caution: A significant tuning adjustment of 6 semitones down on this string is beyond the recommended range of +/- 4 semitones. Consider using a different gauge string to avoid potential string breakage or neck tension issues.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A3.
• String 1 (High e string): Tune up 1 semitone from E to F4.

Always tune slowly and carefully, especially when making large pitch adjustments, to protect your strings and instrument.