This unique tuning, aptly named "FOURTHS & THIRDS," is a fascinating deviation from standard guitar tunings, offering a distinct sonic palette. As its name suggests, the tuning divides the guitar into two sonic regions: the bass three strings are structured in perfect fourths, providing a familiar and stable foundation, while the higher three strings are arranged to emphasize intervals of major thirds, creating a harmonically rich and perhaps unexpected sound.

Verbal Analysis

Playing in Fourths & Thirds tuning opens up a world of interesting textures. The lower strings (E2, A2, D3) provide a solid, resonant base, akin to a bass guitar, making it easy to construct power chords or clear root-fifth-octave voicings. The upper strings (G#4, C4, E4), however, introduce a more ethereal and perhaps dissonant (in isolation) or brightly consonant (in combination) character. The most striking feature is the formation of a C Augmented triad (C-E-G#) on the top three strings when played open, offering a vibrant, tension-filled chord that can inspire new melodic and harmonic ideas. The significant pitch jump between the 4th (D3) and 3rd (G#4) strings, combined with the 3rd string being higher than the 2nd string, makes for an unconventional ergonomic feel. This tuning encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes and may lend itself well to arpeggiation, ambient soundscapes, or fingerstyle playing that exploits the open augmented chord.

Technical Analysis

• The bass strings (6th, 5th, 4th) are tuned E2-A2-D3. This maintains the standard perfect fourth intervals, providing a familiar and solid lower register for rhythmic and bass-oriented playing.
• The treble strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st) are tuned G#4-C4-E4. When considered in ascending pitch, these notes form a C Augmented triad (C-E-G#). This is achieved by two consecutive Major Third intervals: C4 to E4 (4 semitones) and E4 to G#4 (4 semitones).
• An interesting characteristic is the interval between the 4th (D3) and 3rd (G#4) strings, which is a compound augmented fourth (or augmented 11th), a significant leap in pitch. Additionally, the 3rd string (G#4) is pitched higher than the 2nd string (C4), which is an unusual configuration for standard guitar tunings. This non-monotonic pitch progression requires a different approach to fretboard navigation.
• Open Chords:
  • The most prominent open chord is a C Augmented Triad (C-E-G#) on the highest three strings (1st, 2nd, 3rd). This creates a unique, bright, and unsettled harmonic color.
  • Combining with the lower strings, playing all six open strings (E2-A2-D3-G#4-C4-E4) results in a complex cluster that might be best described as an A minor-major 7th with an added D (A-C-E-G# with D). This creates a rich, dissonant, and evocative chord, ripe for experimental music.
• The presence of the C Augmented chord on the top strings makes for easy access to other augmented shapes by simply moving this shape up or down the fretboard. It also provides a strong foundation for exploring whole-tone scales and symmetrical harmony.

How to Tune

To achieve the FOURTHS & THIRDS tuning, start from your guitar's current tuning and make the following adjustments. Ensure your guitar is in good condition and proceed carefully, especially when tuning up strings:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune to D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Tune to G#4. Tune up 1 semitone from G4 to G#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune to C4. Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note on String Gauge: All tuning adjustments in this configuration are minor (within +/- 1 semitone). Therefore, a change in string gauge is generally not advised and your current string set should be suitable for this tuning.

6th String: E2 (Low E)

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: G#4 (G sharp)

2nd String: C4

1st String: E4 (High E)