The "Burn Peter Gergely" tuning for guitar is an adventurous and highly unconventional alternate tuning, designed by Peter Gergely. It deviates significantly from standard tuning, offering a unique sonic landscape for modern fingerstyle or experimental compositions. This tuning creates a complex harmonic foundation, moving far beyond traditional chord shapes.

Technical Analysis:

Starting from standard EADGBe, this tuning features substantial alterations across almost all strings. The open notes are E2, B2, G3, D3, A3, F4.

• The lower four strings (E2, B2, G3, D3) remarkably form an E minor 7 (Em7) chord, providing a strong harmonic anchor. This allows for rich, resonant bass voicings when these strings are played open.
• The addition of the A3 on the second string introduces the 4th (or 11th) to the Em7, creating an Em7(add11) or Em(add4) sound when played with the lower five strings.
• The highest string is tuned to F4, which creates a highly dissonant minor second interval with the open E string if played together, or an interesting minor 6th interval above the A3. This suggests intentional use for specific melodic or textural purposes rather than broad open strumming, emphasizing the tuning's suitability for intricate arrangements.
• The overall intervallic structure is highly spread out and non-linear, making for unique melodic possibilities and challenging but rewarding fretboard navigation, ideal for advanced fingerstyle techniques.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Burn Peter Gergely tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note the significant string tension changes for some strings; a different gauge string is recommended for strings 4 and 3 to ensure optimal playability and string longevity.

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 5 semitones to G. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant tension increase. A lighter gauge string for this position is strongly advised to prevent breakage and optimize playability.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant tension decrease. A heavier gauge string for this position is strongly advised to avoid floppiness, maintain intonation, and achieve a robust tone.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F.

Due to the extreme alterations, this tuning is best suited for players looking to explore new harmonic territories and intricate arrangements, especially in the style of Peter Gergely's compositions.

The open notes for the "Burn Peter Gergely" tuning are as follows:

• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: G3
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: F4