The Double Fifths Tuning: A Resonant and Unique Soundscape

The "Double Fifths" tuning for the Guitar is a compelling and highly resonant open tuning that deviates significantly from standard EADGBe. As its name suggests, it primarily features perfect fifth intervals, creating a powerful and open sound, but thoughtfully includes a unison and a compound fifth to make it both playable and distinctively voiced. This tuning pushes the boundaries of traditional guitar voicings, offering new harmonic possibilities and a bright, almost orchestral character.

Technical Analysis: Intervals and Structure

The open strings of the Double Fifths tuning are D2 A2 E3 E3 B3 F#5. Let's break down the intervals between these strings:

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (A2): A Perfect Fifth (P5).
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (E3): A Perfect Fifth (P5).
• String 4 (E3) to String 3 (E3): A Unison. This is a key deviation from a pure all-fifths tuning, making certain chord voicings more accessible.
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (B3): A Perfect Fifth (P5).
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (F#5): This is a significant jump. It is a Perfect Fifth plus an octave, or a Compound Perfect Fifth (19 semitones). The F#5 is an exceptionally high note for a guitar's first string, lending a bright, almost mandolin or violin-like quality to the top end.

The tuning's structure emphasizes resonance and open harmonies. The lower three strings (D-A-E) form a strong, resonant power chord foundation. The two E's in the middle provide a useful drone or pivot point for melodic and harmonic exploration. The overall range from D2 to F#5 is expansive, covering over three octaves.

Verbal Analysis: Sound and Playability

The "Double Fifths" tuning has a very open and majestic sound. The prevalence of perfect fifths creates a sense of openness and power, making it ideal for drone-based music, expansive soundscapes, and driving rock riffs. The repeated E in the middle strings is a thoughtful addition, preventing the tuning from being "insane to tune to" (as per the original description) and offering familiar reference points amidst the fifths. This unison allows for easier fingerings of common E-based chords, acting as a harmonic anchor.

Chords that are particularly accessible or uniquely voiced in this tuning include:

• Open D5 / A5 Chords: By simply strumming the lower strings, you can achieve powerful D5 (D-A) or A5 (A-E) voicings. The open D, A, E strings are the root, fifth, and ninth/second of a D major scale, or the root, fourth, and fifth of an A major scale.
• E Minor/Major Flavors: The two open E strings (E3, E3) make it very easy to establish an E tonic. By fretting the D2 and A2 strings, you can quickly form open E minor or E major chords with a rich, resonant quality due to the open E and B strings, and the high F#.
• Fifth-Based Chords: Barre chords across the P5 intervals on strings 6-5-4 and 3-2 will yield powerful root-fifth voicings, excellent for rock, metal, or modern classical textures.
• Drones and Harmonies: The open string set (D A E E B F#) has a strong D major 7th sus2 or E minor 9th (without the G) quality. Experimenting with open string drones against fretted notes will unlock unique harmonic landscapes. The high F#5 string will provide a shimmering top end to any chord, adding brightness and clarity.

While requiring a departure from standard chord shapes, the logic of fifths and the strategic unison make this tuning surprisingly intuitive for exploring new sonic territories, particularly for slide guitar, ambient music, or compositions seeking a bright, open, and resonant character.

How to Tune: Adjusting to Double Fifths

To achieve the "Double Fifths" tuning, typically from a standard EADGBe setup, follow these string adjustments. Please proceed with care, especially when tuning strings up.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains at A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#5. This results in an exceptionally high pitch for the guitar's first string, far above standard E4. Exercise caution and ensure your instrument can handle the increased tension.

While none of the individual string movements specified in the provided data exceed a positive or negative 4 semitones, tuning any string up requires attention to string tension. Always tune gradually and ensure your guitar is set up to handle the changes, especially for the high F#5 on the first string, which will be under considerable tension.

String 6: D2 (Low D)

String 5: A2 (A)

String 4: E3 (E)

String 3: E3 (E)

String 2: B3 (B)

String 1: F#5 (High F#)