Verbal Analysis

This is the iconic American Football tuning, famously employed by the midwest emo band of the same name. It's a hallmark of their melancholic, arpeggio-driven sound, characterized by open, ringing notes and a unique blend of consonance and subtle dissonance. This tuning is not primarily designed for traditional strummed open chords, but rather for intricate fingerstyle patterns, sustained melodic lines, and rich, atmospheric textures. It allows for unexpected harmonic colors and a fluid approach to chord voicings that are central to the emo and math rock genres.

The open strings resonate with a distinct, almost chime-like quality, making it ideal for creating delicate arpeggios that intertwine to form complex harmonic structures. The interplay between the open A (string 5) and A# (string 2) creates a subtle tension that adds a characteristic 'sparkle' to chords and melodies, while the doubled C# (strings 4 and 1) provides a strong tonal center for exploration. This tuning excels at creating spacious, reflective soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

The tuning for a standard 6-string guitar, from low to high, is: E2-A2-C#4-F#4-A#4-C#5.

Let's examine the intervals and harmonic possibilities:

• Open Notes: E2, A2, C#4, F#4, A#4, C#5.
• Intervals (from low E, String 6):
• E2 to A2: Perfect 4th
• A2 to C#4: Major 3rd (across strings 5 and 4)
• C#4 to F#4: Perfect 4th (across strings 4 and 3)
• F#4 to A#4: Augmented 3rd (enharmonically F# to Bb, a diminished 4th, across strings 3 and 2)
• A#4 to C#5: Minor 3rd (across strings 2 and 1)
• Harmonic Implications: The notes E, A, C# form an A major triad. This A major chord is readily available across strings 6 (E2), 5 (A2), and 4 (C#4). Expanding on this, including the F# from string 3, gives us the notes F#, A, C#, E, which form an F# minor 7 chord. The A# (enharmonically Bb) on string 2 introduces a strong tension, often used as a #11 or b5, creating highly expressive and extended voicings. The octave C# between string 4 and string 1 (C#4 and C#5) reinforces this note, allowing for shimmering, resonant arpeggios. The presence of both A and A# (Bb) creates a characteristic semitone dissonance which can be used melodically or harmonically for distinctive textures.
• Common Chord Shapes/Voicings within Reach:
  • An open A Major chord (A-C#-E) is naturally formed by strumming strings 6 (E2), 5 (A2), and 4 (C#4).
  • An open F# minor 7 chord (F#-A-C#-E) can be voiced using strings 6 (E2), 5 (A2), 4 (C#4), and 3 (F#4).
  • The tuning is particularly conducive to creating unique open, suspended, or augmented voicings, often with an 'open string drone' quality. For example, a C#sus2 (C#-D#-G#) could be hinted at with open strings, or an Emaj9(#11) (E-F#-A#-C#) with an E bass and the notes F#, A#, C# from the upper strings.