This distinctive guitar tuning, known as F#7, is famously featured in Lindsey Buckingham's 'Say Goodbye' from Fleetwood Mac. It creates a rich, resonant soundscape, centered around an open F#7 chord. The significant down-tuning across multiple strings imbues the instrument with a darker, more mellow timbre, making it ideal for expressive fingerstyle, blues, or rock contexts where a dominant seventh tonality is desired. The lower overall pitch provides a weighty foundation, allowing for a unique feel and powerful open voicings.

Technical Analysis

• The open strings are tuned to: C#3, F#3, C#4, E3, A#4, C#5.
• This arrangement directly spells out an F#7 chord:
  • String 5 (F#3), String 2 (A#4), String 1 (C#5) form a clear F# Major triad.
  • String 3 (E3) adds the dominant seventh to complete the F#7 chord.
• The low C#3 (String 6) and C#4 (String 4) serve as strong root extensions (the 5th of F#), providing a deep, resonant bass and reinforcing the overall F# tonality.
• This tuning lends itself well to open-string arpeggios and allows for easy access to F#7-based harmonies without complex fretboard shapes, potentially opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune

To achieve the F#7 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

Important Note: Tuning multiple strings down by 3 semitones or more can significantly reduce string tension. For optimal playability and intonation, especially if this tuning is used frequently, considering a heavier gauge string set is advised. Always tune carefully and monitor string tension.

String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#3.
String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones from A to F#3.
String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D to C#4.
String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E3.
String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B to A#4.
String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#5.