Verbal Analysis

The tuning internally referred to as "64646" is a highly specialized and innovative guitar tuning. Its most significant and appealing characteristic, as stated in its description, is the ability to enable guitarists to play all 12 minor 7th and major 7th chords without the necessity of using barre chords. This feature is a game-changer for many players, simplifying complex chord voicings and offering a more ergonomic approach to advanced harmony.

This tuning setup significantly departs from the familiar standard EADGBe tuning. While it may require an initial adjustment period, the inherent structural advantages for intricate chord work make it an invaluable asset. It encourages the exploration of new fingerboard patterns and open string resonances, making it particularly well-suited for genres like jazz, fusion, and contemporary music where rich 7th chord voicings are fundamental.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string, are:

• 6th String (Low): D♯3
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: C♯4
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String (High): F4

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings (from the 6th string to the 1st string, considering ascending pitch from the lower note):

• D♯3 (6th) to A2 (5th): An Augmented 4th (6 semitones) if viewed from A2 up to D♯3, or a Perfect 5th down from D♯3.
• A2 (5th) to C♯4 (4th): An Octave plus a Major 3rd (16 semitones).
• C♯4 (4th) to G3 (3rd): An Augmented 4th (6 semitones) if viewed from G3 up to C♯4, or an Augmented 4th down from C♯4.
• G3 (3rd) to B3 (2nd): A Major 3rd (4 semitones).
• B3 (2nd) to F4 (1st): An Augmented 4th (6 semitones).

The distinct and somewhat irregular nature of these intervals is precisely what underpins this tuning's unique harmonic capabilities. While the numerical designation "64646" might refer to a specific theoretical framework or a pattern of fretting for chords, it doesn't directly correspond to the simple semitone intervals between adjacent open strings in a straightforward manner. Its true value lies in the functionality it provides for specific chord types rather than a simple scalar progression.

Chord Opportunities

The core advantage of this tuning is its engineered approach to making 7th chords highly accessible. Guitarists will find that once they learn the new fingerboard logic, complex voicings of all 12 minor 7ths and major 7th chords can be achieved with relative ease, often without needing to bar strings. This opens up a rich harmonic palette and facilitates smoother chord transitions.

While the open string set (D♯, A, C♯, G, B, F) doesn't form a conventional major or minor triad, it contains several useful intervals and partial chords:

• The 3rd (G3) and 2nd (B3) strings naturally create a Major 3rd interval, a cornerstone for G Major or G7 chords. Combined with the 6th string's D♯3, one could easily form a G Augmented (G B D♯).
• The 5th (A2) and 4th (C♯4) strings provide the root and major third of an A Major triad.
• The 1st (F4), 5th (A2), and 4th (C♯4) strings can contribute to an F Augmented triad (F A C♯).

The real power of this tuning will be unlocked by learning the specific fretboard patterns it enables, allowing for the effortless execution of its promised comprehensive 7th chord library.

Open String Notes

The specific notes for each string when tuned to 'Optimized 7th Chord Tuning' are as follows:

• 6th String (Lowest Pitch): D♯3
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: C♯4
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String (Highest Pitch): F4

How to Tune

To set your guitar to the 'Optimized 7th Chord Tuning' from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone from E3 to D♯3.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C♯4.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E4 to F4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When altering your guitar's tuning, particularly with significant semitone changes, it's generally recommended to consider a different string gauge if the movement exceeds 4 semitones up or down. For this 'Optimized 7th Chord Tuning', all string adjustments are within a modest range of 1 semitone, making it safe to use with standard string gauges without concern for undue tension or potential string damage.