The "Alter Bridge In Loving Memory" tuning is specifically designed for the Alter Bridge song 'In Loving Memory'. This is a heavily dropped tuning, making it ideal for powerful, resonant soundscapes and heavy riffs, characteristic of the band's style.

Technical Analysis

This tuning results in the open notes: C#3 F#3 C#4 F#4 A#4 C#5. When played open, these strings form an F# Major chord in its second inversion (F#maj/C#). The presence of multiple C# and F# notes across the fretboard creates a rich, full sound with significant harmonic depth.

The arrangement of the lower strings (C# F# C# F#) is particularly conducive to playing power chords and heavy, low-end riffs. By barring a single finger across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings, you can easily achieve a strong C# power chord shape. The repetitive C# and F# intervals also mean that octaves and fourths are readily available, simplifying the construction of heavy, driving guitar parts. The higher strings complement this by providing the A# (major third of F#) and C# (perfect fifth of F#), completing the F# major chord harmony.

Open Chords & Shapes

• Open F# Major Chord: Strumming all open strings will produce an F# Major chord in its second inversion (F#/C#), offering a dark and resonant foundation.
• Accessible Power Chords: The identical intervals between the 6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings (C# F# C# F#) make two-finger power chords incredibly easy to form. For instance, placing a finger on the 6th string at any fret and another on the 5th string two frets higher will yield a power chord in the key of the 6th string.
• Drone Notes: The open C# and F# notes can be used as effective drone notes against melodic lines or riffs played higher up the neck.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Alter Bridge In Loving Memory" tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar's standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) as follows:

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

Important Note on String Gauge: While the individual string movements in this tuning (maximum 3 semitones down) are generally manageable for standard string gauges, extensive use of tunings with string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down often benefits from a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and tone. For this particular tuning, a slightly heavier gauge set might improve tension and intonation, especially for the strings tuned down by 3 semitones.

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning, relative to standard E Standard:

• 6th String: Tuned down 3 semitones from E3 to C#3.
• 5th String: Tuned down 3 semitones from A3 to F#3.
• 4th String: Tuned down 1 semitone from D4 to C#4.
• 3rd String: Tuned down 1 semitone from G4 to F#4.
• 2nd String: Tuned down 1 semitone from B4 to A#4.
• 1st String: Tuned down 3 semitones from E5 to C#5.