Tuning Analysis: Open G F# on the Top

This unique and resonant tuning, officially named "Open G F# on the Top" and described as an "alternative tuning used in Rob Scallon's "untitled forever"", offers a rich sonic landscape. It builds upon a classic open G foundation but introduces a striking, very high F# on the first string, creating a distinct character that lends itself to both melodic exploration and powerful, ringing chords.

Verbal Analysis

The tuning primarily establishes a strong G Major chord across the majority of the strings. This creates a full, almost piano-like resonance when strummed open, making it excellent for slide guitar, drone-based music, or percussive playing. The low D and G strings provide a deep, foundational bass, while the D-G-B grouping in the middle forms a clear G major triad. The most distinctive feature is the extremely high F# on the first string. This note, F#5, is significantly higher than a standard high E string, adding a shimmering, almost bell-like quality to the overall sound. It transforms the open G major into a rich G Major 7th with an extended, bright top end, suggesting possibilities for intricate fingerstyle melodies that cut through the chordal base, or for adding sparkling, almost harmonic-like textures.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are D2 G2 D3 G3 B3 F#5. Let's break down the intervals and resulting harmony:

• The 6th string (D2) and 5th string (G2) are tuned down significantly from standard E and A, providing a low, powerful D-G perfect fourth.
• The middle four strings (G2, D3, G3, B3) establish a strong G major chord (Root, Fifth, Root, Third), with the D3 and G3 retaining their standard tuning. This provides the core "Open G" feel.
• The 1st string (F#5) is tuned to a very high F#5. This note functions as the Major 7th of G, but at an extremely high octave, creating a G Major 7th chord (G-B-D-F#) with a sparkling, extended voicing.

The open tuning itself presents a full G Major 7th chord (D2 G2 D3 G3 B3 F#5). This makes for incredibly easy access to G major 7th and G major sounds simply by strumming all open strings. Barre chords become highly effective: barring across any fret will yield a Major 7th chord based on that fret's root note on the 6th string, allowing for easy transposition of the Gmaj7 shape. Other accessible chords include standard G major shapes or variations that leverage the open strings as drones.

How to Tune

Please be mindful of string tension when adjusting your guitar's tuning. Extreme changes can affect string life and guitar neck stability. If a string movement exceeds 4 semitones (up or down) from its standard pitch, consider using a different gauge string for optimal performance and safety.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones. (Original E2 to D2).
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones. (Original A2 to G2).
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (Original D3 to D3).
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (Original G3 to G3).
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (Original B3 to B3).
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 2 semitones. (Original E4 to F#4). **Important Note:** The tuning specifies the 1st string as F#5. While the provided movement instruction is to tune up 2 semitones, reaching F#5 from a standard E4 string implies tuning up 14 semitones (an octave and a major second), which is a significantly higher pitch than a typical guitar string is designed for. This could result in extreme tension and potential string breakage or guitar damage. Consider if this tuning is intended for a specialized instrument or requires a much lighter gauge string. Exercise extreme caution and do not exceed safe tension limits.

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning, from thickest to thinnest:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: F#5