The Fallen Angel Tuning, inspired by the distinctive soundscape of 'Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt - Fallen Angel', offers a unique and evocative palette for guitarists. This tuning diverges significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a sound that can range from lush and melodic to strikingly dissonant and dramatic.

Verbal Analysis

With its unconventional intervals, Fallen Angel Tuning lends itself well to genres seeking an edgy or atmospheric quality. The deep, sustained bass notes combined with the bright, yet sometimes jarring, higher strings can evoke a sense of tension, mystery, or even a whimsical, dream-like state. It's particularly suited for intricate arpeggios, creating shimmering textures, or crafting riffs that cut through with a distinct voice. This isn't a tuning for casual strumming of common chords, but rather an invitation to explore new harmonic possibilities and sonic landscapes that resonate with the energetic and sometimes chaotic feel of its inspiration.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are E2 A2 B2 F3 A3 C4. Let's break down the intervals between the strings:

• Low E (6th string) to A (5th string): Perfect 4th
• A (5th string) to B (4th string): Major 2nd
• B (4th string) to F (3rd string): Diminished 5th (Tritone) - this is a key dissonant interval.
• F (3rd string) to A (2nd string): Major 3rd
• A (2nd string) to C (1st string): Minor 3rd

This tuning facilitates several interesting open chord voicings and shapes:

• An F Major triad (F-A-C) is readily available on the top three strings (3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings). Strumming these three strings together produces a clear F Major chord, providing a strong tonal anchor.
• A partial A Minor chord (A-C-E) can be formed by striking the 6th, 5th, and 1st strings (E-A-C), creating an A minor chord in first inversion. The combination of strings 5, 2, and 1 (A-A-C) also forms a strong A root with a minor third, hinting at A minor or A7.
• The unique combination of open notes (E, F, A, B, C) suggests harmonic possibilities rooted in modes like E Phrygian (E F G A B C D) or F Lydian (F G A B C D E), due to the prominent F-A-C on the top strings and the B on the 4th string. Chords built around F major, A minor, and C major will likely feel natural, while the B note will consistently add color or tension.

How to Tune

To achieve the Fallen Angel Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones. This brings it from standard D3 to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings it from standard G3 to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings it from standard B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones. This brings it from standard E4 to C4. Please note: A drop of 4 semitones is significant. While generally safe, consider using a lighter gauge string for this string if you plan to use this tuning extensively, or if you notice excessive looseness. Tuning a string down by more than 4 semitones (or up by more than 4 semitones) typically warrants a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and tone.

6th String: E2
5th String: A2
4th String: B2
3rd String: F3
2nd String: A3
1st String: C4