This unique tuning, named 'Eddie van der meer' and described as 'We are nummer one by Eddie van der meer tuning', offers a distinctive soundscape with its low, resonant notes and intriguing intervallic relationships.

Verbal Analysis

The tuning leans towards a deep and full sound, driven by the F2 on the 5th string and the C3/C#3 on the 4th/6th strings. The presence of F2, C3, and F3 creates a strong F power chord foundation (Root-Fifth-Octave), providing a sense of grounding and power. However, the inclusion of C#3 on the lowest string (6th) and G3 on the 2nd string introduces interesting tensions and colors. The high C#5 on the 1st string adds a bright, piercing top end, creating a wide sonic range from deep growls to sparkling highs. This tuning is not immediately designed for standard open major/minor chords but rather for specific melodic phrases, drones, or more complex harmonic voicings. It could lend itself well to fingerstyle compositions that explore its unique intervals and resonant qualities, or heavy, riff-based music that benefits from the deep drops and characteristic dissonances.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes from low to high (6th to 1st) are: C#3, F2, C3, F3, G3, C#5.

• The lowest actual note in this tuning is F2 on the 5th string, making it a particularly deep tuning.
• Strings 5, 4, and 3 (F2, C3, F3) form a clear F power chord (Root-Fifth-Octave), offering a solid, resonant base for open strumming or droning.
• The 6th string, tuned to C#3, provides a minor 6th interval relative to the F2 on the 5th string when played together, or an augmented 4th (tritone) relative to the G3 on the 2nd string. This creates a compelling tension or a modal flavor.
• The interval between the 3rd string (F3) and 2nd string (G3) is a major second, allowing for easy sus2 or add9 voicings over the open F, such as an Fsus2 with the open F-C-F-G.
• The highest string (C#5) provides a bright C# two octaves above the C3 on the 4th string, reinforcing the C# tonality while offering a broad harmonic range.

This tuning is less about traditional open chord shapes and more about leveraging open strings for drones, powerful riffs (especially around F5), and arpeggiated figures that exploit the unique intervallic relationships, such as the prominent C# and F elements, which define the sonic space.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Eddie van der meer' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones significantly reduces string tension; for optimal tone and playability, consider a heavier gauge string.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones significantly reduces string tension; for optimal tone and playability, consider a heavier gauge string.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#4.

Care should be taken when tuning strings down by 4 or more semitones, as this dramatically reduces string tension. For sustained use or improved tone, considering a heavier gauge set of strings is advisable for strings 5 and 2, which undergo significant drops.

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):