Midwest Droning F

This tuning, described by its creator as "idk i experimented again so yeah," is a fascinating exploration into an open, somewhat dissonant, and drone-heavy soundscape. We've named it the Midwest Droning F, as it evokes the atmospheric and often suspended qualities found in 'Midwest Emo' styles, with a strong F root acting as a central drone.

Verbal Analysis

The tuning offers a unique palette that leans into open, resonant textures rather than conventional chord shapes. The prominent F notes (F3 and F4) provide a clear tonic foundation, while the presence of G and C creates a natural Fsus2/4 feel. The lower D# (Eb) and A# (Bb) strings introduce a darker, more expansive bass register. This combination suggests a tuning excellent for intricate arpeggios, atmospheric soundscapes, and expressive lead lines where the open strings can ring out. It's likely suited for genres like indie rock, post-rock, math rock, or experimental music where traditional harmony is often deconstructed or reimagined. The slight dissonances and open intervals encourage a contemplative and searching musical approach.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are:

• 6th String (Low E): D#3
• 5th String (A): A#3
• 4th String (D): F3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): C4
• 1st String (High E): F4

The intervallic structure from low to high is: Perfect 5th (D# to A#), Tritone (A# to F, ascending), Major 2nd (F to G), Perfect 4th (G to C), Perfect 4th (C to F). This creates a distinct, somewhat non-diatonic cluster. The presence of F3, G3, C4, F4 provides a strong Fsus2/4 chord without needing to fret any notes, offering a rich, open suspension. The D#3 and A#3 (Eb and Bb) in the bass strings add a complex harmonic layer, potentially suggesting an Ebmaj7 or Bbmaj7 quality when played in conjunction with the F notes, or a more ambiguous modal context. Standard chord shapes will be completely recontextualized, encouraging players to discover new voicings and fingerings. Due to the open fifth between the 6th and 5th strings (D# to A#), and the octaves on F (F3 and F4), this tuning is well-suited for sustained drones and rich, ringing harmonies.

Open String Notes

The notes for each string in this tuning are:

• String 6: D3#
• String 5: A3#
• String 4: F3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: C4
• String 1: F4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the 'Midwest Droning F' tuning, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone. The string moves Down 1 semitones from E2 to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone. The string moves Up 1 semitones from A2 to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones. The string moves Up 3 semitones from D3 to F3.
  Note: Tuning up 3 semitones can increase string tension significantly. While this does not exceed the 4-semitone caution threshold, it is a considerable change. Exercise care when tuning and consider using a lighter gauge string if this tuning is to be used frequently.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is. The string has no change (0 semitones) and remains at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone. The string moves Up 1 semitones from B3 to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 1 semitone. The string moves Up 1 semitones from E4 to F4.