Verbal Analysis:

The Scrum Resonant Tuning is a highly distinctive and unconventional setup for the guitar, reportedly favored by 'Scrum Force' in their practice. Its most striking feature is the presence of two unison pairs: the lowest two strings are both tuned to E2, and the middle two strings are both tuned to F3. This creates a powerful, resonant, and somewhat drone-like quality, particularly in the lower register.

The overall sonic character is complex and can be quite tense due to the minor second interval between the low E (strings 6 & 5) and the F (strings 4 & 3). This E-F relationship suggests a tuning less focused on traditional open chord strumming and more on specific voicings, melodic lines, or ambient textures. The upper strings (A3 and C4) introduce a minor third interval (A-C) which, combined with the F3 unisons, leans towards an F major or Fsus2 sound in the higher register. However, the dominant E notes in the bass create a harmonic tension that is unique to this tuning. It's likely designed for a specific musical context, perhaps in a heavier, avant-garde, or modal style where dissonance is embraced for expressive purposes.

Due to the prominent E-F dissonance, strumming all open strings together produces a highly coloured and potentially clashing sound. However, this tuning offers interesting harmonic possibilities when certain strings are muted or selectively played:

• F-A-C (F Major/Fsus2): Playing strings 4, 3, 2, 1 (F3, F3, A3, C4) effectively gives you an Fsus2 or F major triad, with the doubled F acting as a strong root. This can be a sweet contrast to the lower dissonance.
• E-A-C (Em add11 / Cmaj7/E): Muting the F strings (4 & 3) and playing strings 6, 5, 2, 1 (E2, E2, A3, C4) could yield interesting Em-like voicings with a C major flavour, or a Cmaj7 chord over an E bass.
• Drone & Ostinato: The unison E2 and F3 strings are perfect for creating powerful drones or rhythmic ostinato patterns that exploit the inherent tension and release.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning deviates significantly from standard E-A-D-G-B-E. The notes are E2, E2, F3, F3, A3, C4 (from lowest to highest string). The intervals between adjacent strings are:

• String 6 to String 5: Unison (P1)
• String 5 to String 4: Minor second (m2)
• String 4 to String 3: Unison (P1)
• String 3 to String 2: Major third (M3)
• String 2 to String 1: Minor third (m3)

The presence of the minor second between E2 and F3 is the most technically jarring aspect, creating a strong cluster in the lower register. The sequence of P1-m2-P1-M3-m3 is highly unconventional and offers a unique fretboard landscape for melodic and harmonic exploration.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Scrum Resonant Tuning, you will be making several significant adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning. Please proceed with caution, especially with larger semitone changes.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones from standard A2 to E2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop. For optimal performance and to prevent string buzz, a heavier gauge string is advised.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones from standard D3 to F3. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones can notably increase string tension. Proceed carefully to avoid snapping, and consider a lighter gauge string.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones from standard G3 to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from standard B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from standard E4 to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string could significantly improve playability and tone.

String 6 (Lowest): E2 - This string provides the foundational low E, remaining at its standard pitch.

String 5: E2 - Tuned down from A2, it creates a powerful unison with the 6th string, reinforcing the low end.

String 4: F3 - Tuned up from D3, this string forms the lower part of a unique F3 unison pair.

String 3: F3 - Tuned down from G3, it completes the F3 unison, adding density to the middle register.

String 2: A3 - Tuned down from B3, this string provides a major third above the F3 unison, contributing to an F major or Fsus2 quality in the higher range.

String 1 (Highest): C4 - Tuned down from E4, this string completes the upper chordal structure, offering a minor third above the A3 and a perfect fifth relative to the F3 unisons.