The 'PaperWolve' tuning, as described by its creator, was made specifically for a child's learning acoustic guitar. This is a highly unconventional and experimental tuning, deviating significantly from standard guitar tunings. It features a broad range of notes from C#3 to G#5, incorporating a mix of both descending and ascending intervals across the strings.

Verbal Analysis

Given its purpose for a child's learning instrument, the 'PaperWolve' tuning might be intended to simplify certain melodic patterns or provide a unique sonic landscape for exploration rather than facilitating traditional open chords. The overall sound, when strummed openly, would be complex and dense due to its non-standard intervals and the re-entrant nature between two of the strings. This characteristic suggests it may be better suited for single-note melodies, drone-like accompaniment, or experimental textures rather than a harmonious chordal foundation for conventional strumming. The prevalence of sharp notes lends it a bright, somewhat intense character.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for 'PaperWolve' tuning are C#3 (6th string), D#3 (5th string), F#4 (4th string), G#4 (3rd string), F4 (2nd string), and G#5 (1st string). Let's examine the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (D#3): A Major 2nd (up 2 semitones).
• String 5 (D#3) to String 4 (F#4): A Compound Major 3rd (up 15 semitones – equivalent to an octave plus a Major 3rd). This is a very significant jump in pitch.
• String 4 (F#4) to String 3 (G#4): A Major 2nd (up 2 semitones).
• String 3 (G#4) to String 2 (F4): A descending Major 2nd (down 3 semitones). This is a re-entrant interval, meaning the 2nd string is pitched lower than the 3rd string, which is highly unusual for a guitar.
• String 2 (F4) to String 1 (G#5): A Compound Major 3rd (up 15 semitones – equivalent to an octave plus a Major 3rd). Another very large jump.

Due to the wide and non-standard intervals, particularly the re-entrant 2nd string and the two large 15-semitone jumps, this tuning does not immediately lend itself to traditional open chords. However, a C# Major chord can be partially achieved by strumming strings 6 (C#3), 2 (F4), 3 (G#4), and 1 (G#5) while muting strings 5 and 4. This combination provides the root (C#), major third (F), and fifth (G#) of a C# Major triad across different octaves. Other chord shapes would require careful fingering and specific string selection.

Important Tuning Considerations

When tuning to 'PaperWolve', several strings require significant pitch adjustments. For adjustments exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones, it is generally advised to use a different gauge string to ensure proper tension, prevent string breakage, and maintain good intonation. Please take particular care with the following strings:

• String 5: Tuned down 6 semitones – consider a heavier gauge.
• String 4: Tuned up 4 semitones – consider a lighter gauge.
• String 2: Tuned up 6 semitones – consider a lighter gauge.
• String 1: Tuned up 4 semitones – consider a lighter gauge.

Open String Notes

• String 6: C#3
• String 5: D#3
• String 4: F#4
• String 3: G#4
• String 2: F4
• String 1: G#5

How to Tune 'PaperWolve'

To achieve the 'PaperWolve' tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string. The instructions assume tuning from a standard starting point or as indicated by the 'fret_text' values:

• String 6: Tune to C#3. This requires you to Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 5: Tune to D#3. This requires you to Tune down 6 semitones. (Note: This is a significant adjustment; consider a heavier string gauge.)
• String 4: Tune to F#4. This requires you to Tune up 4 semitones. (Note: This is a significant adjustment; consider a lighter string gauge.)
• String 3: Tune to G#4. This requires you to Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 2: Tune to F4. This requires you to Tune up 6 semitones. (Note: This is a significant adjustment; consider a lighter string gauge.)
• String 1: Tune to G#5. This requires you to Tune up 4 semitones. (Note: This is a significant adjustment; consider a lighter string gauge.)