The 'Track in Time' Tuning Analysis

This unique guitar tuning, derived from the "Track in Time" song, offers a distinctive sonic landscape with a strong Mixolydian flavor. It departs significantly from standard EADGBe, creating an open chord that resonates with a dominant quality, ideal for drone-based playing, slide guitar, or crafting intricate melodic lines.

Technical Breakdown:

The open notes for this tuning are: E2 B2 F4# E3 A3 D4 (low to high).

• Low End (E2, B2): The 6th string remains at E2, providing a solid root. The 5th string is tuned up to B2, creating a perfect fifth interval above the root. This low E-B foundation gives the tuning a powerful, open bottom end.
• Mid-Range (F4#, E3, A3): The 4th string is tuned to a remarkably high F4#. This note is two octaves and a major second above the low E, making it exceptionally bright and cutting. The 3rd string returns to E3, an octave above the low E, reinforcing the root. The 2nd string is an A3, a perfect fourth from the E3 root.
• High End (D4): The 1st string is tuned down to D4, forming a minor seventh interval with the E root.

When strummed open, this tuning forms an E Mixolydian 13 chord (E, B, F#, E, A, D). It features the root (E), perfect fifth (B), minor seventh (D), major second/ninth (F#), and perfect fourth/eleventh (A). This rich harmonic content lends itself beautifully to blues, folk, and rock genres, where a strong dominant sound with extensions is desired.

The presence of the high F4# on the 4th string is particularly unique. While it contributes to the bright, extended harmony, guitarists should be aware that tuning a standard D string to F4# (16 semitones up from D3) would be highly risky for string breakage and may require a much lighter gauge string for that position.

Due to the open E Mixolydian nature, sliding up and down the neck will naturally create interesting melodic and harmonic clusters, particularly around the E and A positions. Simple two-finger shapes can yield complex chords, and open string drones will be very effective.

How to Tune Your Guitar to 'Track in Time'

To achieve the 'Track in Time' tuning, you will be making several adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please follow these instructions carefully, paying close attention to the semitone movements. Note that tuning significantly up or down (4 or more semitones) may require a different string gauge to prevent breakage or excessive tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your 6th string remains E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 4 semitones from D3 to F#3. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones (from D3 to F#3) is at the upper limit for a standard gauge string; a lighter gauge may be advised. It's important to note that the target note specified in the tuning notes for this string is F4#, which is an entire octave higher than F#3. Tuning a D3 string to F4# would require an extremely significant 16-semitone increase and is highly unadvisable without a very specialized, much lighter string and professional setup, as it carries a high risk of string breakage and potential neck damage. The provided tuning movement only leads to F#3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune slowly and check your intonation after all adjustments are made.