Tuning Analysis: The Paradoxical Stack

This is a unique and adventurous tuning for the Guitar, designed to "mix up major and minor sounds," as described by its creator. The open strings present a complex harmonic landscape, incorporating elements of both major and minor tonalities along with an augmented quality.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): D2
• String 5 (A): F2
• String 4 (D): A#3 (Bb3)
• String 3 (G): D3
• String 2 (B): F#5
• String 1 (High E): A#5 (Bb5)

When played open, the full set of notes (D, F, A#, D, F#, A#) creates a rich, dissonant sound. Analysing the structure, the tuning aims to stack a D major chord (D-F#-A) on top of a Bb major chord in 1st inversion (F-Bb-D). While the F-Bb-D stack is perfectly realized on strings 5, 4, and 3 (F2, Bb3, D3), the upper D chord manifests as D2, F#5, and A#5. The presence of A# (Bb) instead of A for the D major chord creates an augmented fifth, transforming the intended D major into a D augmented triad (D-F#-A#) on strings 6, 2, and 1, or creating a highly chromatic D voicing with both F (minor third) and F# (major third) present across the lower and upper strings.

This blend of D, F, F#, A#, and D across the strings suggests a tuning well-suited for experimental music, offering unique harmonic possibilities and demanding an exploratory approach from the player.

Verbal & Playability Analysis

The "Paradoxical Stack" tuning lives up to its name, offering a sonic landscape where major and minor qualities clash and coexist. The open strings, when strummed together, will produce a dense, harmonically ambiguous sound. This isn't a tuning for simple cowboy chords, but rather for exploring complex, modern voicings and textures. The broad range from D2 to A#5 (Bb5) provides a vast tonal palette.

Due to the specific stacking, a Bb Major chord in 1st inversion (F-Bb-D) is readily available on strings 5, 4, and 3. On strings 6, 2, and 1, an open D Augmented triad (D-F#-A#) is present. This suggests that exploring augmented harmonies and progressions involving Bb and D could be very intuitive. The low D string (String 6) and the doubled D on String 3 provide a strong bass foundation. The wide interval jumps, particularly in the upper register, offer shimmering, bell-like qualities when arpeggiated. Experiment with slides and sustained notes on the higher strings to emphasize their distinct voicings.

How to Tune (From Standard EADGBe)

Please exercise caution, particularly with strings requiring large pitch changes. It is generally recommended to consider a different gauge string if tuning exceeds 4 semitones up or down. For this tuning, several strings fall into this category.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2. (Minor adjustment)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2. (Requires caution)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D3 to A#3 (Bb3). (Requires caution)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. Advisory: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 7 semitones from B3 to F#5. Advisory: Tuning up 7 semitones is an extreme change. A lighter gauge string is strongly recommended. Please note that tuning B3 up 7 semitones typically results in F#4, not F#5. Achieving F#5 from B3 would require a much larger pitch increase (19 semitones) than described in the tuning movement instructions. Proceed with extreme caution and consider professional setup for this string.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 6 semitones from E4 to A#5 (Bb5). Advisory: Tuning up 6 semitones is a very significant change. A lighter gauge string is strongly recommended. Please note that tuning E4 up 6 semitones typically results in A#4, not A#5. Achieving A#5 from E4 would require a much larger pitch increase (18 semitones) than described in the tuning movement instructions. Proceed with extreme caution and consider professional setup for this string.

The notes for each string in this tuning are as follows:

String 6 (Lowest): D2

String 5: F2

String 4: A#3 (Bb3)

String 3: D3

String 2: F#5

String 1 (Highest): A#5 (Bb5)