The creator describes this as "Love this tuning whether it sounds weird or not." and they're right, it's a wonderfully unique and unconventional tuning designed for exploration and distinct sonic landscapes.

Technical Analysis

The Vinyl Scratch Tuning diverges significantly from standard guitar tunings, presenting a very open and somewhat dissonant character that invites creative harmonic and melodic approaches. The open string notes are:

• 6th String: C#3 (lowest note)
• 5th String: G#3
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: F4 (highest note)

The intervals between adjacent strings, from low to high, are: a Perfect 5th (C#3 to G#3), followed by a notable drop of a Minor 3rd (G#3 to E3), then a Perfect 4th (E3 to A3), a Minor 3rd (A3 to C4), and finally another Perfect 4th (C4 to F4). This combination of wide and narrow intervals, especially the downward step from the 5th to the 4th string, creates a non-linear feel, encouraging unique voicings and breaking away from conventional guitar patterns.

Harmonic Possibilities

While not immediately lending itself to common open chords, the tuning does offer some interesting harmonic footholds due to its unique structure:

• An **open C# minor triad** (C#-E-G#) is present across the 6th, 4th, and 5th strings (C#3, E3, G#3), providing a clear anchor for melancholic or dramatic passages.
• The notes A3, C4, F4 on the higher strings suggest possibilities for **F major triads** (F-A-C) or **A minor triads** (A-C-E) with careful fretting on the 4th string (E3) to complete the chords.
• The overall collection of notes (C#, E, F, G#, A, C) could be explored for modal playing, particularly within a **C# Phrygian Dominant** or **A Phrygian** context, given the abundance of minor and half-step intervals.
• This tuning is likely ideal for creating drones, arpeggiated figures, and non-standard chord voicings, moving away from conventional guitar shapes. It's particularly well-suited for ambient music, experimental rock, or film scoring where unique textures are desired.

How to Tune

To achieve the Vinyl Scratch Tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning, follow these adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitones to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• 1st String (High e): Tune up 1 semitones to F4.

Important String Gauge Note: While none of the string movements exceed a negative 4 or positive 4 semitone change, tuning up strings (especially the 4th and 3rd strings by 2 semitones) does increase tension. Always tune carefully and consider a different string gauge if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods, or if you notice excessive tension or tuning instability.