Tuning Overview: LONGFALL

The "LONGFALL" tuning presents a unique and thought-provoking landscape for guitarists, embodying the sentiment: "There is nothing made up, everything comes from somewhere else, we just don't know where." This tuning deviates significantly from standard, offering a blend of familiar low-end power with remarkably high, bright, and unusually spaced upper strings. It invites exploration of open voicings and distinct harmonic textures, perfect for those seeking an unconventional sonic palette.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for LONGFALL are D2-A2-D3-F#4-C4-E4 (from low E to high e string position). This tuning features a dropped D on the lowest string (D2), common in many alternative tunings, providing a deep, resonant foundation. The 5th (A2) and 4th (D3) strings remain in their standard positions, forming a powerful D5 chord with the low D when strummed.

However, the upper strings introduce the most striking elements:

• The 3rd string is specified as F#4. This is an exceptionally high note for this string position, an octave and a major third above the 4th string's D3, and an octave and a semitone above a standard G3. This creates a wide, almost jarring interval within the tuning, contributing to its unique character.
• The 2nd string is tuned to C4, one semitone higher than standard B3.
• The 1st string remains at standard E4.

The intervallic structure is highly irregular:

• D2 to A2: Perfect 5th
• A2 to D3: Perfect 4th
• D3 to F#4: Octave + Major 3rd (a very wide jump!)
• F#4 to C4: Diminished 5th (descending)
• C4 to E4: Major 3rd

Open Chords and Voicings

The D-A-D on the lowest three strings (6-5-4) immediately provides a powerful D5 (power chord). Strumming all open strings (D2-A2-D3-F#4-C4-E4) yields a complex, spread-out voicing. The presence of D, F#, A, C, and E suggests a D Major 7 add 9 chord quality, but with the F# an octave higher and the C and E adding significant color. This unique arrangement lends itself to ambient soundscapes, fingerstyle patterns that exploit the wide string gaps, and drone-like compositions. It might also facilitate interesting melodic lines that jump across octaves. Careful experimentation will reveal its full potential.

How to Tune to LONGFALL (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-e)

Please observe the recommended string movements carefully. Be mindful that tuning strings significantly up (more than 4 semitones) or down (more than 4 semitones) from standard pitch often necessitates a different gauge of string to prevent breakage or excessive looseness.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. This is within safe limits.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitones. This instruction leads to F#3. Please note: The specified target note for this string is F#4, which is an octave higher than F#3. Achieving F#4 from a standard G3 (a movement of +11 semitones) is an extremely significant change, nearly an entire octave up, and would typically require a much lighter gauge string to prevent breakage and is generally not recommended for standard string sets. The instruction to tune down to F#3 is within safe limits. Users should clarify their intent for this specific string based on the desired octave.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitones to C4. This is within safe limits.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.

Exercise caution with any string movements, especially those approaching or exceeding 4 semitones in either direction, as they may necessitate a change in string gauge for optimal performance and safety.