MSRequintoHack: A Unique Guitar Transformation

The MSRequintoHack is an inventive tuning designed to transform a standard 6-string guitar into something akin to a Requinto, a smaller, higher-pitched instrument often used in Latin American music. While traditional Requintos have their own unique characteristics, this 'hack' aims to emulate a brighter, more tensioned sonic character on a standard guitar. This tuning presents a fascinating blend of uniform downtuning in the bass strings with significant, and sometimes unconventional, shifts in the treble strings, offering a truly unique tonal palette for adventurous players.

Technical Analysis: Intervals and Structure

Starting from standard EADGBe tuning, the MSRequintoHack makes bold adjustments:

• The four lowest strings (6th through 3rd) are uniformly tuned down by a Major 2nd (2 semitones each). This results in D2, G2, C3, and F3, maintaining a consistent sequence of perfect fourths (D-G-C-F) for the lower register, which provides a familiar yet deeper foundation.
• The 1st string (high E) is tuned up by a Minor 3rd (3 semitones) to G4. This significantly brightens and raises the pitch of the top end, contributing to the 'Requinto' feel and adding a shimmering quality to the tuning.
• The 2nd string is the most technically intriguing part of this tuning. While the tuning instructions describe a simple descent of 1 semitone from a standard B3 (which would yield A#3), the stated target note for this tuning is A4#. This implies an additional upward octave shift (12 semitones) beyond the described semitone movement. If A4# is the ultimate goal from a standard B3, it represents a substantial total upward shift of 11 semitones. Such a large change in pitch typically necessitates a much lighter gauge string than standard to prevent breakage, manage string tension, and ensure accurate intonation. This creates a very wide interval between the 3rd and 2nd strings.

Open Chords and Playability

With the open strings tuned to D2 G2 C3 F3 A4# G4, the MSRequintoHack does not readily conform to simple open major or minor chords. Instead, it offers a rich, complex, and distinctively gapped voicing:

• The lower four strings (D-G-C-F) form a compelling suspended quality, such as a Dsus4add11 (D G C F) or a Gsus4/D chord (G C F over a D bass). This foundation suggests a harmonic landscape that leans towards folk, jazz, or experimental genres.
• When all strings are strummed open (D G C F A# G), the collective notes are D, G, C, F, A#, G. Arranged, these are C, D, F, G, A#. This cluster of notes is not a standard triadic chord but can be interpreted as a rootless Cm/maj7 (C Eb G Bb D) or even an F major 7 sharp 11 (F A C E G B#) if you stretch the interpretation. The combination creates a unique, often dissonant yet intriguing open sound that demands attention.
• The significant interval gap between the 3rd string (F3) and the 2nd string (A4#), which spans an octave and a Major 3rd (17 semitones), will require players to adapt their familiar chord shapes considerably. Similarly, the tight minor 3rd interval between the 2nd (A4#) and 1st (G4) strings will also influence fingering and voicings.

This tuning encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes. It lends itself exceptionally well to arpeggiated figures, single-note melodies that exploit its unique intervals, and experimental music. It's an excellent choice for players looking to break free from standard guitar voicings and explore new sonic territories.

How to Tune: Step-by-Step Guide

To achieve the MSRequintoHack tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (E2 → D2)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2. (A2 → G2)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. (D3 → C3)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3. (G3 → F3)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitones. This specific movement from a standard B3 would typically result in A#3. However, the intended target note for this tuning is A4#, which is an octave higher than A#3. This substantial octave jump is not accounted for in the 'tune down 1 semitones' instruction, suggesting a more complex string setup or an implied additional octave transposition.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. (E4 → G4)

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly up or down (generally beyond 4 semitones in either direction), it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge. This helps maintain proper string tension, ensures accurate intonation, and prevents string breakage. The 1st string is tuned up 3 semitones, approaching this limit. For the 2nd string, if the target is indeed A4# from a standard B3, this represents an 11-semitone upward change, which *definitively* requires a much lighter gauge string than standard to avoid severe tension issues and potential breakage.

The open string notes for the MSRequintoHack tuning are:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: C3
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: A4#
• 1st String: G4