Anco Tuning: A Fingerpicker's Dream (and Challenge!)

The 'Anco Tuning', as described, is pitched as a "pretty swaggy" option for fingerpicking, and a deeper dive reveals why this might be the case. It deviates significantly from standard tuning, offering a unique sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning conjures an open, slightly dissonant, yet rich sound that would indeed shine in fingerstyle arrangements. The open strings C#3, G#3, C#4, F3, G#4, A#4 create a complex C# Augmented 6th chord (C# F G# A#) across various octaves. This gives the tuning a bright, almost shimmering quality, with an underlying tension from the augmented interval. It’s not a tuning for conventional rock or pop chords, but rather one that encourages exploration, drone-like passages, and evocative harmonies. The significant drops in pitch on several strings, particularly the first string, will result in a slacker feel, which is often desirable for intricate fingerpicking patterns and bends, allowing for a more lyrical and expressive playing style.

Technical Analysis

Let's break down the technical aspects of this interesting tuning:

• Open String Notes: The open strings are C#3 (6th string), G#3 (5th string), C#4 (4th string), F3 (3rd string), G#4 (2nd string), A#4 (1st string).
• Chordal Structure: When played open, the tuning primarily outlines a C# Augmented 6th chord (C# - F - G# - A#). The repetition of C# and G# at different octaves provides a strong root and fifth, while the F and A# add the distinctive augmented and major 6th qualities. This provides a strong harmonic foundation that is neither major nor minor in a traditional sense, leading to intriguing harmonic possibilities.
• Intervals (Low to High):
  • 6th to 5th String (C#3 to G#3): Perfect Fifth (7 semitones)
  • 5th to 4th String (G#3 to C#4): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
  • 4th to 3rd String (C#4 to F3): This is an octave drop in pitch for the 3rd string relative to the 4th, as F3 is lower than C#4. The interval from C#4 down to F3 is 5 semitones. This wide interval shift between adjacent strings will significantly alter traditional chord shapes and open up unique voicing opportunities.
  • 3rd to 2nd String (F3 to G#4): An Octave and a Major Second (14 semitones). This is another substantial leap, making standard chord fingerings highly impractical but excellent for arpeggiated figures and wider melodic stretches.
  • 2nd to 1st String (G#4 to A#4): Major Second (2 semitones)
• Chord Potential: While standard chord shapes will be heavily re-imagined due to the wide intervals and dropped notes, the open C# Augmented 6th provides a rich harmonic palette for exploring melodic lines, drones, and arpeggios. Barre chords based on the lower C#-G#-C# strings could form a powerful foundation, allowing the higher strings to add color. Fingerpickers could leverage the open augmented sound for atmospheric or modern compositions.
• String Tension: All strings are tuned down from standard EADGBe. The most significant drop is on the 1st string, which goes down 6 semitones from E4 to A#4. This will result in noticeably looser string tension for that string. The 6th, 3rd, and 2nd strings also experience considerable drops of 3 semitones. This reduced tension is often favored for expressive bends and a softer attack, ideal for fingerpicking, but might require a lighter touch to avoid buzzing.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Anco Tuning

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe, with all strings being tuned down. Please proceed carefully and use a reliable tuner.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B to G#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 6 semitones from E to A#4.
  Note: Tuning down 6 semitones is a very significant change. You may experience considerably slacker string tension and buzzing. For optimal playability and intonation, a lighter gauge string is highly recommended for this string.