Verbal Analysis

The AFRICANBLUES tuning, as described by its creator, is a fascinating and intuitive approach, blending elements of "Harris+Bartok" with a distinctive "African Blues" flavor. It's designed to be didactic and facilitate the playing of pentatonics and what are referred to as "easy Titonos" (likely a specific type of seventh chords or referring to the characteristic tritones). The term "Geometrica" suggests that this tuning might unlock symmetrical or easily movable chord shapes and melodic patterns across the fretboard, making complex ideas more accessible.

When played open, this tuning presents a rich, somewhat dissonant soundscape: E2, A#3, C#4, F3, G#4, C4. While not a conventional open major or minor chord, this dense cluster of notes hints at an E tonality with significant chromatic extensions. You'll find an E major triad (E, G#, C#) embedded within the tuning, suggesting that an E major feel is readily available, but it's heavily adorned with tension notes like F (minor 9th), A# (augmented 4th/tritone), and C (minor 6th). This combination lends itself well to the blues, but with a more sophisticated, perhaps 'African' or modern classical edge as suggested by the Bartok influence. It’s a tuning for exploration, where familiar blues motifs can take on new, exotic colors, and unconventional harmonies might emerge from simple finger placements.

Technical Analysis

This six-string guitar tuning, from low to high, is E2, A#3, C#4, F3, G#4, C4. When analyzed relative to the lowest string (E2), the intervallic structure reveals a unique hexatonic scale: E (Root), F (minor 2nd), G# (Major 3rd), A# (Augmented 4th / Tritone), C (minor 6th), C# (Major 6th).

• String 6 (E2): The foundational root note, providing a stable low end.
• String 5 (A#3): Tuned to A sharp in the third octave. This note is an octave and three semitones (or a Major 3rd + octave) above the low E if flattened, or an Augmented 4th (Tritone) from E, creating significant tension and a distinctive melodic possibility.
• String 4 (C#4): Tuned to C sharp in the fourth octave. This note is an octave and eight semitones (or a Major 6th + octave) above E2, completing an E major 6th chord when combined with E and G# (from String 2).
• String 3 (F3): Tuned to F in the third octave. This note is an octave and one semitone (or a Minor 2nd + octave, functioning as a Minor 9th) above E2, adding a sharp, dissonant tension often found in blues and jazz, particularly effective for creating 'blue notes'.
• String 2 (G#4): Tuned to G sharp in the fourth octave. This note is two octaves and three semitones (or a Major 3rd + two octaves) above E2, clearly establishing the major tonality and providing a high, ringing harmony.
• String 1 (C4): Tuned to C in the fourth octave. This note is an octave and eight semitones (or a Minor 6th + octave) above E2, adding a melancholic or bluesy quality, forming an E minor-major quality when combined with E and G#.

The arrangement of notes suggests a tonality centered around E, but with a highly chromatic and expanded harmonic palette. The presence of both G# (Major 3rd) and C (minor 6th) along with C# (Major 6th) provides a rich harmonic ambiguity. The close proximity of E-F and C-C# on open strings suggests opportunities for clustered, dissonant voicings or quick melodic embellishments. This tuning is ideal for players looking to break away from standard voicings and explore more adventurous blues, world music, or even modern classical guitar textures, living up to its "African Blues" and "Bartok" inspirations.

Open String Notes

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A string): A#3
• String 4 (D string): C#4
• String 3 (G string): F3
• String 2 (B string): G#4
• String 1 (High E): C4

How to Tune

To achieve the AFRICANBLUES tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A string): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D string): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4.

Important Tuning Precaution: Please exercise caution when tuning your guitar. Adjusting strings by more than 4 semitones, either up or down, can put significant stress on your strings and potentially the instrument's neck. For String 1, which requires tuning down 4 semitones, it is advisable to consider using a different gauge string if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods, as strings tuned significantly lower than their standard pitch might feel too slack. Always tune slowly and check string tension carefully.