Tuning Analysis: FCFA (Ukulele/Guitalele)

This intriguing tuning, named FCFA, presents a unique sound profile for a 6-string instrument, despite being categorized as a 'Ukulele' in its description. Given the six strings and low register notes (E2, A2), it is most likely intended for a Guitalele or a 6-string ukulele hybrid, blending the playability of a guitar with the ukulele's charm.

Verbal Description

The FCFA tuning creates a bright, open, and somewhat ethereal sound. With two open Fs and two open As, it has a resonant quality that leans heavily towards the key of F Major or A Minor, yet offers interesting possibilities beyond that. The lower E and A strings provide a rich, deep foundation, anchoring the higher, more chiming F-C-F-A pattern. The 'math rock' influence mentioned in the description hints at a desire for angular, open voicings and a departure from standard harmony, which this tuning certainly provides. Expect lush, ringing open chords with a hint of unexpected tension and a wide harmonic palette, perfect for intricate fingerstyle or open-strumming textures.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are E2-A2-F3-C4-F4-A4. Let's break down the intervals:

• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (F3): Augmented 4th / Tritone (A4) - This dissonant interval between the lower strings adds a unique character.
• String 4 (F3) to String 3 (C4): Perfect 5th (P5)
• String 3 (C4) to String 2 (F4): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 2 (F4) to String 1 (A4): Major 3rd (M3)

The core of the tuning on the higher strings (F3-C4-F4-A4) clearly outlines an F major chord (F-A-C), but with the fifth (C) below the root (F). When all six strings are strummed open, they produce a rich, complex chord comprising E, A, F, C. This can be interpreted as an Fmaj7(add11) with an E in the bass, or perhaps a variant of Cmaj7#11/E. The stacked perfect 4ths and 5ths (E-A, F-C, C-F) give a powerful, resonant feel, while the tritone (A-F) and major third (F-A) introduce melodic tension and sweetness. This tuning inherently facilitates open F major and C major voicings, and slide chords along the higher F-C-F-A pattern will yield interesting harmonic results. Barre chords starting on the 4th string will often reveal familiar F major or C major shapes, with the bass notes adding depth.

Open String Notes

Here are the target notes for each string, from the lowest (String 6) to the highest (String 1):

• String 6: E2 - The lowest string, providing a deep bass note.
• String 5: A2 - A perfect fourth above the low E, offering another strong bass foundation.
• String 4: F3 - A distinctive leap, forming a tritone with the A2 below it.
• String 3: C4 - The middle C, a perfect fifth above F3.
• String 2: F4 - An octave above F3, creating a strong F major resonance.
• String 1: A4 - A major third above F4, completing the F major chord on the higher strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the FCFA tuning, begin from standard EADGBe guitar tuning. Please note the significant upward tension changes required for most strings. For changes exceeding 4 semitones, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge to prevent string breakage and potential damage to your instrument.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; tune to E2 (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; tune to A2 (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3. (Caution advised, but generally safe.)
• String 3 (G): Tune up 5 semitones to C4. (Warning: Different string gauge strongly advised due to significant tension increase.)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 6 semitones to F4. (Extreme Warning: Different string gauge critically advised due to very high tension increase.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 5 semitones to A4. (Warning: Different string gauge strongly advised due to significant tension increase.)