Tuning Analysis: 12 string Whole Step Tuning (Upper half)

This unique tuning, designated as the "12 string Whole Step Tuning (Upper half)", is designed for a Guitar and presents a fascinating sonic landscape. While the name suggests a "Whole Step" characteristic, a technical analysis of the open string intervals reveals a more complex and varied arrangement, moving beyond simple whole-step progressions. This tuning provides seven distinct open notes, likely intended for specific voicings on a 12-string instrument, potentially representing the higher-pitched strings or courses.

Verbal Observations:

Upon first encounter, this tuning creates a rich and somewhat unconventional sound. The blend of deep bass notes (E2, B2) with higher, more melodic tones (A3, C#4, D#4) offers a broad harmonic palette. The specific arrangement of notes allows for surprising resonant combinations, making it suitable for exploring ambient textures, open-string arpeggios, or specific tonal centers. Players might find themselves gravitating towards open-string drones that provide a unique foundation for melodies played on fretted notes. The overall feel is one of expanded harmonic possibility, moving away from standard chord shapes.

Technical Observations:

The open strings are tuned to E2 (String 7), B2 (String 6), C#4 (String 5), D#4 (String 4), F3 (String 3), G3 (String 2), and A3 (String 1).

When ordered by pitch from lowest to highest, these notes are E2, B2, F3, G3, A3, C#4, D#4.

The intervals between these open strings, when ordered by pitch, are diverse:

• E2 to B2: Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• B2 to F3: Diminished 5th (6 semitones)
• F3 to G3: Whole Step (2 semitones)
• G3 to A3: Whole Step (2 semitones)
• A3 to C#4: Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• C#4 to D#4: Whole Step (2 semitones)

Despite the varied intervals, some common chords can be found or easily reached, providing a strong tonal character:

• E Minor Chord: The combination of E2 (String 7), B2 (String 6), and G3 (String 2) forms a clear E minor triad, providing a strong tonal center.
• A Major Chord: The notes E2 (String 7), A3 (String 1), and C#4 (String 5) can combine to form an A major chord with an E bass, offering another readily available harmonic foundation.
• Other chord voicings may require slight fretting, but the open strings offer unique extensions and lower register foundations for more complex harmonies. The presence of D#4 and C#4 also hints at possibilities for E major/minor and A major/minor dominant or extended chords.

Open String Notes:

The tuning for your guitar is set as follows (from lowest numbered string, typically lowest pitch, to highest numbered string, typically highest pitch):

• String 7: E2
• String 6: B2
• String 5: C#4
• String 4: D#4
• String 3: F3
• String 2: G3
• String 1: A3

How to Tune:

To achieve the '12 string Whole Step Tuning (Upper half)', adjust your strings as follows. Please take care when making significant pitch adjustments, especially when tuning up.

• String 7 (E2): Tune up 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning up by 5 semitones is a significant change; a different gauge string may be advised to prevent breakage or excessive tension.
• String 6 (B2): Tune up 7 semitones. Extreme Caution: Tuning up by 7 semitones is a very large adjustment; a different gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 5 (C#4): Tune up 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning up by 4 semitones is a significant change; a different gauge string may be advised to prevent breakage or excessive tension.
• String 4 (D#4): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 3 (F3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 2 (G3): Tune down 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning down by 4 semitones is a significant change; a different gauge string may be advised to prevent buzzing or intonation issues.
• String 1 (A3): Tune down 7 semitones. Extreme Caution: Tuning down by 7 semitones is a very large adjustment; a different gauge string is strongly advised.