Brodie Tuning: A Detailed Analysis

The Brodie Tuning presents a unique and intriguing landscape for guitarists, departing significantly from standard EADGBe. Originating from the Brodie Tuning video, this setup ventures into a sound world that encourages exploration beyond conventional harmony, offering distinct sonic characteristics.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the Brodie Tuning are C#3 G#3 D#4 G3 G#4 D#5. Observing the intervals between strings reveals a compelling blend of consistent perfect fifths and striking, wide intervals:

• Strings 6-5 (C#3 to G#3): A Perfect Fifth (P5), 7 semitones.
• Strings 5-4 (G#3 to D#4): A Perfect Fifth (P5), 7 semitones.
• Strings 4-3 (D#4 to G3): This is a significant drop of 8 semitones. When played together, G3 is a Minor Sixth below D#4, creating a wide, open interval.
• Strings 3-2 (G3 to G#4): An expansive interval of 13 semitones – an octave plus a semitone (or an Augmented Octave/Minor 9th). This creates a very large leap in pitch.
• Strings 2-1 (G#4 to D#5): A Perfect Fifth (P5), 7 semitones.

The prevalence of C#, G#, and D# across strings (6, 5, 4, 2, 1) provides a strong, resonant foundation, particularly in a C# or G# tonality. However, the G natural on the 3rd string creates a distinct tension against the G#s and D#s, preventing a simple open major or minor chord from forming. This suggests the tuning is designed for specific melodic or drone applications, rather than straightforward conventional strumming.

Verbal and Playing Observations

Verbally, Brodie Tuning sounds expansive and resonant, with a clear low-end presence due to the C#3. The consistent perfect fifths on strings 6-5, 5-4, and 2-1 make power chords (5ths) incredibly easy to achieve. Simply barring across these sets of strings at any fret will yield robust power chords. For example:

• Barring strings 6, 5, 4 will produce a formidable three-note power chord.
• Barring strings 2, 1 will produce a two-note power chord.

The G natural on the 3rd string acts as a 'wild card,' introducing a unique dissonance and opportunities for unusual voicings. It invites players to experiment with suspensions and cluster chords that incorporate this distinctive note. Sliding across the strings will produce interesting chromatic effects, especially involving the 3rd string, which deviates from the otherwise C#-G#-D# harmony. This tuning lends itself well to atmospheric music, drones, and intricate fingerstyle where individual string voicings can be emphasized. It would likely shine in genres requiring an open, resonant, and slightly unconventional sound.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Brodie Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3. This is a significant drop in pitch, but generally manageable with standard string gauges.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4. Similar to the 6th string, this is a notable drop.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

Important Note on String Tension: While none of the adjustments exceed 4 semitones up or down, tuning strings down 3 semitones (like the 6th and 2nd strings) will noticeably reduce string tension. If you find the tension too loose for your playing style, or if you plan to use this tuning extensively, consider a slightly heavier gauge string set to compensate for optimal playability.

String 6 (Low E): C#3
String 5 (A): G#3
String 4 (D): D#4
String 3 (G): G3
String 2 (B): G#4
String 1 (High E): D#5