Tuning Analysis: EADADG (Charlie Hunter Long Scale)

This unique EADADG tuning, described as a "Universal Guitar Charlie Hunter 6 strings Long Scale version 30\"-27\" Fanned Fret," is a highly specialized and deeply resonant setup designed for extended-range instruments. It pushes the boundaries of a standard guitar, venturing into bass territories on its lower strings, making it ideal for players seeking a rich, full-bodied sound with a vast tonal palette.

Verbal Observations:

The first impression of this tuning is its profound depth. With the lowest three strings (E1, A1, D2) residing significantly below standard guitar tuning, it offers a formidable bass foundation. The repeated A and D notes across octaves (A1, A2, D2, D3) create a resonant, open quality, allowing for complex harmonies to ring out with exceptional clarity and sustain. It feels like playing a guitar with an integrated bass, perfect for jazz fusion, progressive genres, or solo fingerstyle arrangements where a single instrument needs to cover a wide sonic range. The fanned fret and long scale design are crucial here, providing the necessary tension and intonation for these extremely low notes, ensuring definition rather than muddiness.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes are E1-A1-D2-A2-D3-G3. This tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBE. Let's examine the intervals and potential chord voicings:

• E1 (6th String): The lowest note, an octave below standard low E (E2). This serves as a powerful, deep root, akin to a bass guitar's lowest string.
• A1 (5th String): A perfect fourth above E1. This maintains a familiar interval from standard tuning but at a much lower register.
• D2 (4th String): A perfect fourth above A1. This continues the pattern of fourths, building a solid low end.
• A2 (3rd String): A perfect fourth above D2, and an octave above A1. This repetition of A provides a strong harmonic anchor and contributes to the tuning's open resonance.
• D3 (2nd String): A perfect fourth above A2, and an octave above D2. Similar to the A, this repeated D adds depth and harmonic richness.
• G3 (1st String): A perfect fourth above D3. The final string continues the strong fourths interval, creating a consistent harmonic structure across the upper register.

The open strings present the notes E, A, D, G across multiple octaves. This collection of notes (E-A-D-G) doesn't form a simple major or minor triad, but rather suggests extended harmonies like an Am11 (A-C-E-G-B-D, where we have A, D, G, E) or a Dsus4add9 (D-G-A-E). The prevalence of perfect fourths makes this an exceptionally versatile tuning for:

• Open Voicings: Chords played across the open strings will have a dense, orchestral quality. The repeated A and D notes create ringing sympathetic vibrations.
• Power Chords: Given the extremely low fundamental notes, power chords on the lower strings will possess an unparalleled weight and impact, perfect for heavy music styles.
• Jazz/Fusion: The fourth-based intervals are very common in jazz voicings, making this tuning intuitive for crafting complex harmonies and extended chords. The wide range also allows for simultaneous bass lines and melodic/chordal accompaniment, characteristic of Charlie Hunter's style.
• Fingerstyle: The open strings offer a wealth of resonant drones and harmonic possibilities, making it highly expressive for intricate fingerstyle arrangements.

How to Tune:

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBE and necessitates the use of heavy-gauge strings designed for extended-range or baritone guitars due to the extreme downtuning. Exceeding a 4-semitone adjustment (either up or down) on any string typically warrants a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and intonation.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 12 semitones from standard E2 to E1. (This is a full octave down).
• String 5 (A): Tune down 12 semitones from standard A2 to A1. (This is a full octave down).
• String 4 (D): Tune down 12 semitones from standard D3 to D2. (This is a full octave down).
• String 3 (G): Tune down 10 semitones from standard G3 to A2.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 9 semitones from standard B3 to D3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 9 semitones from standard E4 to G3.

Given that all strings are tuned down by 9 to 12 semitones, a dedicated set of heavy-gauge or baritone strings is absolutely essential for optimal playability, tone, and to prevent damage to your instrument from insufficient string tension. Attempting this tuning with standard guitar strings will result in extremely loose, buzzing strings and poor intonation.

String 6: E1 – This is an extremely deep E, an entire octave below the standard low E string.

String 5: A1 – An equally profound A, one octave lower than the standard A string.

String 4: D2 – A very low D, an octave below the standard D string.

String 3: A2 – This string is tuned to an A in the second octave, providing a rich mid-range anchor.

String 2: D3 – Tuned to a D in the third octave, offering clarity and resonance in the higher registers.

String 1: G3 – The highest string, set to a G in the third octave, completing the fourths-based harmony.