Tuning Analysis: Video Games Cover Ben

This intriguing tuning, named "Video Games Cover Ben," departs significantly from standard guitar tuning to create a unique and resonant soundscape. It features a heavy emphasis on C# and G# notes across multiple octaves, which lends itself to a bright, open, and slightly melancholic or ethereal quality, often suitable for contemporary and atmospheric music. The specific note choices suggest a foundation that is neither strictly major nor minor in its open form, offering a versatile palette for creative expression.

Technical Breakdown:

• The open strings are tuned to: C#3 - F#3 - C#4 - G#4 - G#4 - C#5 (low to high).
• Examining the intervals from the lowest C# (6th string):
  • 6th string (C#3) to 5th string (F#3): Perfect 4th (4 semitones)
  • 5th string (F#3) to 4th string (C#4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • 4th string (C#4) to 3rd string (G#4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • 3rd string (G#4) to 2nd string (G#4): Unison (0 semitones) - a very strong doubling effect.
  • 2nd string (G#4) to 1st string (C#5): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• The presence of C#, F#, and G# prominently featured makes the open tuning essentially a C#sus4 chord (C# - F# - G#), voiced across three octaves with doubled C# and G# notes. This provides a full, resonant, and open sound that avoids the immediate major/minor resolution, giving it a soaring or introspective character.
• The unison G#4 on the 3rd and 2nd strings is a distinct feature, creating a powerful drone or allowing for melodic movement on one string while the other sustains the G#. This can add significant depth and harmonic richness to both strummed chords and fingerpicked passages.

Open Chords and Possibilities:

• Open C#sus4: Strumming all open strings yields a lush and full C#sus4 chord. This is the primary open chord of this tuning.
• C# Power Chord (C#5): By either muting the 5th string (F#3) or fretting it at the 2nd fret (G#), a powerful C#5 chord (C#, G#) can be achieved, perfect for rock or drone-based textures.
• Barre Chords: Due to the consistent interval structure across the lower strings (C#3-F#3-C#4-G#4), barring all strings at any fret will create a sus4 chord rooted on that fret's note on the 6th string, albeit with the doubled G# and high C# creating unique voicings. For example, a barre at the 4th fret would yield an Ebsus4.
• This tuning is particularly well-suited for melodic lines that incorporate the open G# and C# notes as drones, creating a harmonically rich and sustained sound often found in ambient or cinematic music. The wide intervallic jumps (like the perfect 5th from F#3 to C#4) also open up interesting fingerpicking patterns.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each string's tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): Tuned down 3 semitones to C#3. This is the lowest note, providing a deep, resonant foundation.
• 5th String (A): Tuned down 3 semitones to F#3. A perfect fourth above the 6th string, adding harmonic richness to the bass.
• 4th String (D): Tuned down 1 semitone to C#4. An octave higher than the 6th string, reinforcing the root of the tuning.
• 3rd String (G): Tuned up 1 semitone to G#4. A perfect fifth above the 4th string C#, contributing to the strong C#sus4 harmony.
• 2nd String (B): Tuned down 3 semitones to G#4. Tuned to the exact same pitch as the 3rd string, creating a powerful unison and drone effect.
• 1st String (High e): Tuned down 3 semitones to C#5. The highest note, an octave above the 4th string and two octaves above the 6th, completing the C#sus4 voicing with a bright, ringing tone.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Video Games Cover Ben" tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these steps:

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

Important Note: Most of these string adjustments are within a moderate range. However, for changes involving tuning up or down more than 4 semitones (e.g., -12 for a full octave down or +12 for a full octave up), it is generally advised to consider using a different gauge string to ensure proper tension and avoid potential damage to your instrument or strings. In this specific tuning, all movements are within a safe range for standard gauge strings.