Tuning Analysis: MJ Casiano Uhaw Tuning

The MJ Casiano Uhaw Tuning is a distinctive and expressive guitar setup, specifically employed in MJ Casiano's arrangement of the song "Uhaw." It cleverly blends familiarity with innovation, retaining the standard E-A-D-G tuning for the lower four strings while significantly altering the top two, resulting in a rich, open, and harmonically flexible sound.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning provides a solid and familiar foundation for players, allowing them to utilize standard EADG patterns and riffs on the bass strings without re-learning. The true character of the tuning emerges from the higher register. By tuning the 2nd string down from B to G, a powerful unison is created with the 3rd string (which remains G). This unison offers a thick, resonant drone, ideal for sustained notes, two-string bends, or creating a driving rhythmic pulse. The 1st string is also lowered considerably from E to C, establishing a perfect fourth interval with the newly tuned G on the 2nd string. This combination of a unison (G-G) and a perfect fourth (G-C) on the higher strings imparts a very open and contemporary sound, often favored in styles that benefit from clear, ringing voicings and ambiguous harmonies, such as folk, ambient, or instrumental compositions. It moves away from the traditional stacked thirds of standard tuning, encouraging exploration of fresh melodic and harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis

• Standard Foundation: The 6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings maintain their standard E2, A2, D3, and G3 pitches respectively.
• Significant Alterations:
  • The 2nd string (originally B3) is tuned down by 4 semitones to G3. This represents a major third drop.
  • The 1st string (originally E4) is tuned down by 4 semitones to C4. This also represents a major third drop.
• Intervallic Structure (Low to High):
  • String 6 to 5 (E-A): Perfect Fourth
  • String 5 to 4 (A-D): Perfect Fourth
  • String 4 to 3 (D-G): Perfect Fourth
  • String 3 to 2 (G-G): Unison
  • String 2 to 1 (G-C): Perfect Fourth
• Predominantly Fourths and a Unison: This tuning is characterized by a series of perfect fourths, broken only by the unison between the 3rd and 2nd strings. This consistent intervallic pattern (especially on strings 4, 3, 2, 1 as D-G-G-C) makes scale patterns and movable chord shapes highly predictable and intuitive across the fretboard.
• Open String Voicing: The combined open notes E-A-D-G-G-C do not form a simple major or minor triad. Instead, they present the notes C, D, E, G, A. This collection of notes implies an extended, resonant harmony (such as a Cmaj add9 add13, or Gsus4 with extensions), providing a rich and often ambiguous sonic backdrop that encourages creative improvisation and chord discovery.

Chords and Playability

While standard open chord shapes will need to be re-imagined, this tuning shines in its ability to create new and beautiful voicings:

• Open String Resonance: Strumming all open strings (E-A-D-G-G-C) produces a full, chiming sound that can serve as a complex, extended harmony or a versatile drone, perfect for atmospheric and fingerstyle playing.
• Unison Power: The unison G-G on the 3rd and 2nd strings facilitates powerful drone effects, simplifies playing two-string power chords, and allows for unique rhythmic possibilities.
• Consistent Shapes: The prevalence of perfect fourth intervals means that melodic and harmonic patterns will be easily transferable across the fretboard. Movable chord shapes, particularly across the D-G-G-C strings, will feel very consistent and intuitive.
• Familiar Lower End: The unchanged E-A-D-G section of the tuning provides a comfortable base for bass lines, root notes, and familiar rhythmic patterns, making the transition to this altered tuning smoother.
• New Voicings: Players will discover a wealth of new open and fretted chord voicings. The G-G-C configuration on the top three strings, for instance, offers a unique foundation for Gsus4 or C-based chords. Experimentation is highly encouraged to uncover the full harmonic potential and unique sound of this tuning.

How to Tune

To set your guitar to the MJ Casiano Uhaw Tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, carefully follow these string-by-string instructions:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones. You will lower this string from its standard B3 pitch to G3. This is a significant drop in tension. While standard gauge strings can typically accommodate a 4-semitone drop, it pushes the limits for optimal tension and playability. If you plan to use this tuning frequently or notice excessive string floppiness or intonation issues, a slightly heavier gauge string for this specific string might enhance playability and tuning stability. Target Note: G3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones. You will lower this string from its standard E4 pitch to C4. Similar to the 2nd string, this is a substantial drop in tension. Consider a slightly heavier gauge string for this string if you experience any playability concerns or intonation instability with your current setup. Target Note: C4.