Tuning Analysis: Jazzy 7 Piano Style

The "Jazzy 7 Piano Style" tuning truly lives up to its name, offering a unique and expansive sonic palette for guitarists. Described as "piano para guitarra" (piano for guitar), it aims to transform the guitar into an instrument capable of rich, open voicings and wide-ranging arpeggios typically found on a piano. This tuning is designed for exploration, breaking away from standard guitar conventions to foster a more orchestrational approach to playing. It encourages creative chord shapes and melodic lines that emphasize complex harmonies and a broad tonal spectrum, making it ideal for jazz, ambient, experimental, or even classical-inspired compositions.

Technical Observations

This tuning presents a highly unconventional and intriguing arrangement of notes. The open strings are:

• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: D2
• 4th String: F#4
• 3rd String: G#4
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: E4

A striking feature is the dramatic shift in octaves and intervals between strings. The 6th (E2) and 5th (D2) strings provide a very low, resonant foundation, almost like bass notes, with the 5th string a whole step lower than the 6th. From the 5th string (D2) to the 4th string (F#4), there's an enormous jump of two octaves and a major third, creating a massive intervallic spread.

The higher strings (F#4, G#4, C#5, E4) form a fascinating cluster. The interval from the 4th to 3rd string is a whole step (F# to G#), and from the 3rd to 2nd string, it's a perfect fourth (G# to C#). Most uniquely, the 1st string (E4) is tuned down a minor third relative to the 2nd string (C#5), meaning the highest string is actually lower in pitch than its adjacent string. This inverted interval on the top two strings will produce distinctive, open-sounding voicings unlike standard guitar tunings.

When played open, these notes (E2, D2, F#4, G#4, C#5, E4) create a complex, extended sonority. If we consider D as a potential root, the notes D, E, F#, G#, C# form a Dmaj7(#11)(9) chord (D E F# G# A C#) with the A missing and E an octave higher. This suggests a strong D Lydian character, providing a bright, airy, and sophisticated harmonic backdrop. Alternatively, if E is the root, the open notes (E, D, F#, G#, C#) hint at an Emaj7(#11) with a low D or an Emaj13(#11) depending on how you interpret the low D. The wide intervals and unique voicings make it particularly well-suited for arpeggiated figures and rich chord extensions. Guitarists will find that familiar chord shapes are largely redefined, encouraging new fingerings and a fresh perspective on the fretboard, truly embodying the "piano style" ethos.

How to Tune to Jazzy 7 Piano Style

To achieve the Jazzy 7 Piano Style tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and adjust your strings as follows. Please take care, as some significant tension changes are involved, and remember that for movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different gauge string is generally advised for optimal playability and string longevity.

• 6th String (Low E, Standard E2): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A, Standard A2): Tune to D2. Tune down 7 semitones. (Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.)
• 4th String (D, Standard D3): Tune to F#4. Tune up 4 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string to prevent string breakage and ensure proper intonation.)
• 3rd String (G, Standard G3): Tune to G#4. Tune up 1 semitone.
• 2nd String (B, Standard B3): Tune to C#5. Tune up 2 semitones.
• 1st String (High E, Standard E4): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Here are the notes for the Jazzy 7 Piano Style tuning:

• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: D2
• 4th String: F#4
• 3rd String: G#4
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: E4