Tuning Description: Bobo

The "Bobo" tuning, an original creation as described by its inventor, is an experimental and unconventional setup for the guitar. It features a strikingly low C# on the 6th string, providing a deep, resonant foundation that sets it apart from more traditional tunings. Its unique intervals offer a fresh sonic palette for creative expression.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a distinctive soundscape, blending very low bass notes with more familiar upper register intervals, and a particularly unusual middle string relationship. The deep C#3 on the lowest string gives the tuning a heavy, almost baritone-like quality, excellent for powerful, droning riffs or atmospheric textures. The most striking feature is the relationship between the 4th (D#4) and 3rd (E3) strings; the 3rd string is actually significantly lower in pitch than the 4th string. This unexpected pitch drop creates a unique, almost non-linear feel when playing across these strings, opening avenues for unexpected melodic and harmonic voicings, and challenging conventional fingerboard patterns. The top three strings (E3, B3, E4) resonate as an E major triad, offering a familiar melodic anchor amidst the more unusual lower string voicings. This provides a sense of open resolution on the higher register, making it versatile for both intricate fingerpicking and open strumming with an E-major inclination. Overall, "Bobo" encourages exploration outside of standard chord shapes, pushing players to discover new harmonic possibilities and intriguing sonic contrasts.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes (Low to High): C#3, A#3, D#4, E3, B3, E4
• Interval Analysis (between adjacent open strings):
  • 6th to 5th String (C#3 to A#3): Major 6th (up 9 semitones)
  • 5th to 4th String (A#3 to D#4): Perfect 4th (up 5 semitones)
  • 4th to 3rd String (D#4 to E3): This is a significant pitch drop, with the 3rd string (E3) being 11 semitones lower than the 4th string (D#4). This creates a very wide, descending interval between these adjacent strings.
  • 3rd to 2nd String (E3 to B3): Perfect 5th (up 7 semitones)
  • 2nd to 1st String (B3 to E4): Perfect 4th (up 5 semitones)
• Unique Characteristics: The highly unusual pitch inversion where the 3rd string (E3) is significantly lower than the 4th string (D#4) is the defining technical characteristic of this tuning. This non-linear pitch progression is rare and forces a re-evaluation of common scale and chord shapes. The open strings also feature a low bass (C#3) and an E major triad on the higher strings (E3, B3, E4).

Chords and Playability

While the complete set of open strings (C#3, A#3, D#4, E3, B3, E4) does not form a typical, immediately recognizable open chord, the top three strings (E3, B3, E4) create a clear E Major triad when played open. This provides an excellent melodic and harmonic anchor. Players can easily form E-based chords by simply barring across these top three strings. The unusual D#4/E3 relationship on the middle strings allows for interesting drone possibilities, or tight, dissonant voicings that can be bent or resolved. The deep C#3 on the 6th string serves as a powerful bass note, suitable for C# minor/major structures or as a heavy, resonant drone. This tuning encourages an experimental approach; players might find themselves gravitating towards open string voicings that emphasize the E major on the top, while using the lower strings for percussive, dissonant, or deep harmonic support. Barring across various frets will yield unique voicings, particularly with the D#4-E3 relationship challenging traditional chord shapes.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Bobo

To achieve the "Bobo" tuning, start from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Follow these specific instructions for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: Generally, for strings tuned down by 4 or more semitones (or up by 4 or more semitones), a different string gauge is advised to maintain proper tension and intonation. The 6th and 3rd strings in this tuning are tuned down by 3 semitones, which is a moderate change that usually works with standard gauges, but individual string feel and intonation should be checked for optimal performance.

6th String: C#3 (C Sharp in the 3rd octave)
5th String: A#3 (A Sharp in the 3rd octave)
4th String: D#4 (D Sharp in the 4th octave - Note: This string is higher in pitch than the 3rd string)
3rd String: E3 (E in the 3rd octave - Note: This string is lower in pitch than the 4th string)
2nd String: B3 (B in the 3rd octave)
1st String: E4 (E in the 4th octave)