Tuning Description: Polcarb

The "Polcarb" tuning is an adventurous and deeply resonant arrangement that departs significantly from standard guitar tunings. It offers a unique sonic landscape, leaning towards atmospheric, experimental, or folk-infused genres where rich, sometimes dissonant, open voicings can create captivating soundscapes. The lower strings provide a weighty foundation with an interesting low D, while the upper strings offer bright, clear tones, allowing for intricate arpeggios and melodic lines. This tuning is ideal for players looking to explore new harmonic territories and break away from conventional chord shapes.

Open String Chords & Harmonic Possibilities

• The full open tuning (D2-C3-F3-G3-C4-E4) is not a simple major or minor chord but a complex cluster of notes. This combination contains elements of a C major triad (C-G-C-E) and an F major triad (F-C). Played together, it creates a rich, ambiguous harmony that can function as a C major with an added F and a low D, or a D minor 7 with suspended elements.
• If the lowest D string (String 6) is used as a drone or a pedal tone, the remaining strings (C3-F3-G3-C4-E4) offer a vibrant C-based harmony with an F, suggesting possibilities for C Lydian or C Mixolydian influences, or a Cmaj(add4) voicing.
• While standard 'cowboy chords' will be challenging, the tuning naturally lends itself to open string arpeggios, creating shimmering, resonant textures. Experimentation with partial chords, using the open strings as drones, will reveal the true potential of this unique setup.

Technical Breakdown: Intervals

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (C3): Minor 7th (10 semitones)
• String 5 (C3) to String 4 (F3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (F3) to String 3 (G3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (E4): Major 3rd (4 semitones)

This sequence of intervals (m7-P4-M2-P4-M3) is highly irregular, contributing to the tuning's distinct character and the requirement for fresh fingering approaches.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Polcarb

To achieve the Polcarb tuning, you will adjust your strings from the standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning. Please note the following instructions carefully, indicating the standard note and the target note for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): From standard E2, Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): From standard A2, Tune up 3 semitones to C3.
• String 4 (D): From standard D3, Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains G3.
• String 2 (B): From standard B3, Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly up or down (exceeding 4 semitones in either direction), it is advisable to consider using a different string gauge to avoid excessive tension or slack, which can affect playability and string life. In this Polcarb tuning, String 5 (A to C) and String 4 (D to F) involve a 3-semitone change, which is considerable but generally manageable on standard gauges. Always exercise caution when making large tuning adjustments.