ECDFAD Guitar Tuner

ECDFAD Toulouse - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - Toulouse

Toulouse Tuning Analysis

The "Toulouse" tuning for Guitar offers a distinctly rich and complex harmonic landscape, veering far from standard EADGBe. It presents a modal or even jazz-infused palette, thanks to its unique intervallic structure. The open strings (E-C-D-F-A-D) do not form a simple major or minor chord, but rather suggest a sophisticated D minor 9 sound (D-F-A-C-E) with the low E providing a potential pedal tone or a rich, dark bass foundation. This tuning encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, inviting players to discover new voicings and melodic possibilities, particularly in genres that benefit from non-diatonic or extended harmony. The repeated D notes on the 4th and 1st strings create a natural resonance, allowing for droning effects and sustained harmonies centered around D. It feels moody, introspective, and full of harmonic depth.

Technically, compared to standard EADGBe tuning, "Toulouse" features significant alterations. The 6th string remains E2, but the 5th string is raised a major third to C3 (from standard A2). The 4th string stays at D3. The 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings are all tuned down by a major second (two semitones) from their standard positions, resulting in F3 (from G3), A3 (from B3), and D4 (from E4). The open string intervals are:

6th to 5th (E2 to C3): Major 6th
5th to 4th (C3 to D3): Major 2nd
4th to 3rd (D3 to F3): Minor 3rd
3rd to 2nd (F3 to A3): Major 3rd
2nd to 1st (A3 to D4): Perfect 4th

This varied sequence of intervals provides a unique fretboard logic, breaking away from the familiar patterns of standard tuning. The open notes D, F, A, C create a clear D minor 7 chord, which combined with the low E, gives a strong D minor 9 tonality with an extended bass. Chords like D minor and F major will feel natural and easily accessible, while barre chords will reveal intriguing new harmonic clusters.

How to Tune to Toulouse

6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
5th String (A): Tune up 3 semitones. From A2 to C3. Please take care when tuning up 3 semitones, as this is at the upper end of recommended adjustments.
4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones. From G3 to F3.
2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones. From B3 to A3.
1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. From E4 to D4.

Note: For tuning changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to consider using a different gauge string to ensure optimal playability and string longevity.