All I Wanted (Paramore) Guitar Tuning Analysis

This unique tuning, known as "All I Wanted (Paramore)", specifically adjusts strings 5 through 1 of a standard 6-string guitar, creating a deeply resonant and harmonically rich sound. It deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, offering a distinct soundscape perfectly suited for the song it's named after, or for inspiring new compositions.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning delivers a surprisingly full and bright sound due to its open string configuration. When strummed open, the combination of notes rings out as a beautiful D Major 6/9 chord (D-F#-A-B-E). This instantly provides a lush harmonic foundation, ideal for atmospheric textures, intricate fingerstyle arpeggios, or as a powerful drone for melodic lines. The profound drop in pitch for most strings, particularly the 5th string (standard A string tuned to D2) and 4th string (standard D string tuned to A2), establishes a robust, bass-heavy low end. The intervals between the lower three tuned strings (D2-A2-E3) are all perfect fifths, forming a power chord-like structure that makes it simple to create rich, low-voiced power chords by simply barring or fretting these strings at the same fret. However, the tuning features some very interesting and wide intervals on the higher strings. The leap from the 3rd string (E3) to the 2nd string (F#4) is a compound major 9th, a particularly large interval. Furthermore, the 1st string (B3) is tuned *lower* than the 2nd string (F#4), creating an inverted interval. These unconventional intervals will encourage unique melodic and chordal approaches, moving beyond traditional strumming patterns and lending themselves to specific riffing or arpeggiated figures, likely reflecting their application in the original Paramore track.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Tuning Name: All I Wanted (Paramore)
• Tuning Description: All i wanted by paramore guitar tab
• Final Open String Notes (from 5th to 1st string, standard guitar string numbering):
  • 5th String (Standard A String): D2
  • 4th String (Standard D String): A2
  • 3rd String (Standard G String): E3
  • 2nd String (Standard B String): F#4
  • 1st String (Standard High E String): B3
• Harmonic Analysis: The open strings (D2, A2, E3, B3, F#4) collectively form a D Major 6/9 chord. This provides a resonant and full-bodied harmonic foundation.
• Intervals (between adjacent strings, from 5th to 1st string):
  • String 5 (D2) to String 4 (A2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • String 4 (A2) to String 3 (E3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • String 3 (E3) to String 2 (F#4): Compound Major 9th (14 semitones) – a remarkably wide interval.
  • String 2 (F#4) to String 1 (B3): Descending Perfect 4th (7 semitones down) – an inverted interval where the higher physical string is tuned to a lower pitch.
• Chords & Playability: The open strings readily produce a rich D Major 6/9 chord. Power chords are easily formed on the lower three strings. However, traditional standard-tuning chord shapes, especially barre chords, will require significant re-learning and adaptation due to the large interval shifts and the inverted interval on the higher strings. This tuning is ideally suited for specific voicings, open-string drones, and arpeggiated patterns rather than conventional strumming.

Tuning Notes (from 5th to 1st string, corresponding to A, D, G, B, High E on a standard guitar)

• 5th String (Standard A String): D2
• 4th String (Standard D String): A2
• 3rd String (Standard G String): E3
• 2nd String (Standard B String): F#4
• 1st String (Standard High E String): B3

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'All I Wanted (Paramore)' tuning, you will be adjusting your guitar strings significantly from standard EADGBe tuning. Please use a reliable chromatic tuner and proceed carefully, always tuning down slowly to avoid string breakage if over-tightening accidentally occurs, and tuning up carefully to avoid sudden tension changes.

• 5th String (Standard A String): Tune this string down 7 semitones to D2. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension, intonation, and prevent a 'floppy' feel.
• 4th String (Standard D String): Tune this string down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.
• 3rd String (Standard G String): Tune this string down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (Standard B String): Tune this string down 5 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.
• 1st String (Standard High E String): Tune this string down 5 semitones to B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.

Given the extensive down-tuning across most strings (exceeding 4 semitones for four of the five specified strings), investing in a set of heavier gauge strings (e.g., 'heavy bottom, light top' or a custom heavy set) will greatly improve playability, intonation, and ensure the strings do not feel too 'floppy' or lack sustain.