Verbal Analysis: The Sound of Annie Plus

The Annie Plus tuning creates a distinctly rich and somewhat enigmatic soundscape. With its low D# on the 6th string, it immediately suggests a heavy, droning foundation, ideal for powerful riffs or atmospheric soundscapes. The open strings D# A# F G F C present a complex, non-standard harmony, leaning towards a suspended or modal character rather than a simple major or minor chord. The presence of two F notes (on strings 4 and 2) adds a beautiful resonance and allows for interesting voicings, unison, or octave playing. The interval between the low D# and A# forms a perfect fifth, providing a solid power chord base. However, the G note introduces a subtle tension, creating a unique texture that can be both brooding and luminous. This tuning is likely designed for exploration, offering a palette for open string drones, slide guitar, or fingerstyle arrangements that leverage its unusual intervals to evoke a specific mood or atmosphere, moving beyond conventional harmonic structures.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the Annie Plus Tuning

This is a 6-string Guitar tuning, described as a 6-string version of the original "annie tuning" (gtdb.org/dsasfgc). The open string notes are D#3 A#3 F3 G3 F3 C4.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities:

When strummed open, the Annie Plus tuning yields a unique harmonic cluster. The lowest three strings (D#, A#, F) form a D# minor triad (D#, F, A#), providing a strong minor foundation. The upper three strings (G, F, C) independently suggest an Fsus2 chord (F, C, G) or a Csus4 chord (C, F, G). When combined, the full open voicing D# A# F G F C does not resolve to a simple major or minor chord but offers a rich, dissonant-yet-resonant sound. One interpretation is an Fsus2/4 chord with a D# bass (D# - A# - F - G - F - C), implying an F major harmony with an added 4th (A#) and a suspended 2nd (G), all over a low D# root. The duplicated F notes are a notable feature, allowing for convenient access to octaves or unisons.

String Gauge & Tension Advisory:

Care should be taken when setting up for the Annie Plus tuning, as several strings undergo significant pitch changes:

• String 4 (D to F): Tune up 3 semitones. While generally manageable, this is close to the threshold where a lighter gauge string might be considered to ease tension, though it may feel normal for many players.
• String 2 (B to F): Tune down 6 semitones (a tritone or half an octave). This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string for the 2nd string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability, preventing a "floppy" feel.
• String 1 (High E to C): Tune down 4 semitones. This is also a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is recommended for the 1st string to ensure adequate tension and tone.

For optimal playability and intonation, consider a custom string set with heavier gauges for strings 2 and 1, and potentially string 4, especially if you plan to keep the guitar in this tuning for extended periods.

How to Tune to Annie Plus:

Follow these steps to tune your 6-string guitar to Annie Plus from standard E Standard tuning (E A D G B E):

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones to F3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4.

Here are the notes for each string in the Annie Plus tuning (from lowest to highest pitch):

• String 6: D#3
• String 5: A#3
• String 4: F3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: F3
• String 1: C4