The Triqueen tuning for Guitar presents a unique and compelling soundscape, deviating significantly from standard EADGBe. It offers a blend of deep, resonant bass notes with some unusually bright higher strings, creating a distinct sonic character.

Technical Analysis

The tuning's notes are D2 G2 D3 F#4 A3 B3 (from low E to high E string). Analysing the intervals:

• The 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (D2, G2, D3) establish a strong low register. The interval from D2 to G2 is a Perfect 4th, and from G2 to D3 is another Perfect 4th. This forms a D suspended 4th voicing (D-G-D) or an inverted G power chord, offering a solid, resonant base.
• The most striking feature is the 3rd string tuned to F#4. This note is significantly higher than one might expect from a typical G3 string in standard tuning, and also creates a re-entrant tuning structure as it is higher than the subsequent 2nd (A3) and 1st (B3) strings. This F#4 jumps a Major 10th from the D3 on the 4th string.
• The 2nd string is A3, a minor 6th down from F#4, but a Perfect 5th above the overall root D.
• The 1st string is B3, a Major 2nd up from A3, and a Major 6th above the overall root D.

Verbal and Sonic Analysis

The Triqueen tuning crafts a surprisingly rich and full open chord. Strumming all strings open yields a D Major 6th chord with an added G (D, G, D, F#, A, B). This is a complex, yet consonant voicing, suggesting a bright and somewhat ethereal quality, or even a G Major 7th chord with D in the bass. The low D-G-D strings create a powerful and resonant foundation, ideal for rhythmic strumming and drone-like accompaniment.

The high F#4 on the 3rd string is the most distinctive element, acting as a bright, almost mandolin-esque melodic voice or a shimmering drone. Its placement, higher than the subsequent A3 and B3 strings, dictates a unique approach to chord voicings and melodic lines. Simple fingerings that would typically produce standard chord shapes will now yield entirely new harmonies, often with the F#4 providing a sparkling, unexpected top voice.

This tuning lends itself well to genres that benefit from open, ringing sounds and unconventional voicings, such as folk, ambient, modern rock, or experimental music. Players will find new opportunities for arpeggios and melodic phrases that leverage the re-entrant nature of the tuning.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Triqueen

To achieve the Triqueen tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2. (Fret movement: -2)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2. (Fret movement: -2)
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (Fret movement: 0)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G3 to F#3. (Fret movement: -1)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3. (Fret movement: -2)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. (Fret movement: -5) Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 1st string to maintain optimal tension and tone.

Always tune carefully, checking the pitch with a reliable tuner, especially with larger interval changes.

6th String: D2

5th String: G2

4th String: D3

3rd String: F#4

2nd String: A3

1st String: B3