Tuning Analysis: Vidro Moyou (EFCGAD)

Verbal Description

This unique tuning, known as Vidro Moyou (EFCGAD), draws its inspiration from the captivating soundtrack of 'Ano Natsu de Matteru - Vidro Moyou'. It departs significantly from standard EADGBe tuning, creating a soundscape that is both expansive and melancholic. The arrangement of notes fosters a sense of open air and movement, often hinting at suspended harmonies and interesting drones rather than conventional major or minor structures. The presence of several perfect fifths and fourths, alongside a striking minor second interval between the 6th and 5th strings, allows for rich, ambient textures and provides a distinct canvas for melodic exploration. This tuning is particularly well-suited for evocative instrumental pieces, film scores, or progressive arrangements where traditional chord voicings are less of a priority than atmospheric depth and unique harmonic colours.

Technical Analysis

The tuning consists of the notes E2-F2-C3-G3-A3-D4, from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string. Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, several strings are significantly altered:

• 6th String (E2): Remains at standard E2.
• 5th String (F2): Tuned down a major third (4 semitones) from standard A2.
• 4th String (C3): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) from standard D3.
• 3rd String (G3): Remains at standard G3.
• 2nd String (A3): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) from standard B3.
• 1st String (D4): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) from standard E4.

The intervals between open strings are as follows:

• E2 to F2: Minor 2nd (Half Step)
• F2 to C3: Perfect 5th
• C3 to G3: Perfect 5th
• G3 to A3: Major 2nd (Whole Step)
• A3 to D4: Perfect 4th

The open tuning itself (E-F-C-G-A-D) does not form a conventional major or minor chord, but the arrangement lends itself to intriguing harmonic clusters. For example:

• Strings 5-4-3 (F-C-G): Forms an Fsus2 chord, providing a rich, open sound.
• Strings 4-3-2-1 (C-G-A-D): Creates a unique cluster with C-G (perfect 5th), G-A (major 2nd), and A-D (perfect 4th), offering possibilities for drone-like figures or modal exploration.
• Power Chords: Open 5th string F, combined with the 4th string C, forms a strong F5 power chord. Similarly, C5 (4th & 3rd strings) and D5 (1st & 2nd string, played open or fretted) are easily accessible.
• Minor/Suspended Voicings: Many two- and three-string open voicings will naturally be suspended or add a color tone, giving this tuning a modern, sometimes ethereal, quality. Barre chords will need to be re-learned and adapted to the new interval structure, but this also opens up fresh harmonic territories.

How to Tune

To achieve the Vidro Moyou (EFCGAD) tuning from standard EADGBe:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If tuning down 4 or more semitones, a heavier gauge string might be advisable for optimal tone and playability at this lower pitch, and to ensure adequate string tension.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always use a reliable tuner and tune carefully, especially when making significant changes to string tension.

Here are the specific notes for each string, from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest):

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): F2
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): A3
• 1st String (High E): D4