Tuning Overview: EMO AF

As its evocative name suggests, the "EMO AF" tuning is crafted to elicit a distinctive, often melancholic, and deeply resonant emotional soundscape. This isn't just a quirky title; it truly reflects the unique sonic character and expressive potential of this highly unconventional and re-entrant guitar setup.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning deviates dramatically from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, transforming the guitar into a vibrant canvas of open, ringing notes. The open string notes, from the lowest (6th string) to the highest (1st string), are: E2 - F#3 - B2 - F#4 - B3 - C#5.

• Re-Entrant Structure: A defining and most striking feature of "EMO AF" is its re-entrant nature. The 5th string (F#3) is tuned *higher* than the 4th string (B2), and similarly, the 3rd string (F#4) is tuned *higher* than the 2nd string (B3). This radical departure from the traditional ascending pitch order between adjacent strings creates unusual harmonic relationships and renders familiar chord shapes largely impractical, demanding a fresh approach to playing.
• Harmonic Landscape: When all open strings are strummed, the tuning resonates with an intriguing Eadd9/13 voicing. The specific notes sounding are E, F#, B, F#, B, C#. This combination forms a rich, open, and slightly suspended E Major tonality, rich with potential for sustained drone notes, intricate arpeggios, and expressive melodic lines. The absence of a strong major third (G#) in the lowest octaves contributes to its ethereal and somewhat ambiguous, yet clearly major-oriented, quality.
• Interval Relationships: The intervals between strings are highly non-standard. For example, there's a wide Major 9th interval from the 6th string (E2) to the 5th string (F#3). The re-entrant drops further emphasize these unique spacing, leading to a guitar that feels and sounds significantly different under the fingers.

Playing Considerations:

Due to its complex re-entrant nature, "EMO AF" is not well-suited for traditional chord playing. Instead, it excels in styles that embrace its unique characteristics:

• Arpeggios and Fingerstyle: The wide open intervals and resonant quality make it an exceptional tuning for intricate fingerpicking patterns, allowing notes to ring out and weave lush, ambient soundscapes.
• Drone and Ambient Textures: The strong fundamental E, combined with the resonant F#, B, and C#, creates a natural foundation for sustained drones, atmospheric pads, and deeply layered ambient textures.
• Melodic Exploration: Single-note lines will take on new and unexpected harmonic colorations when played against the sympathetic resonance of the open strings.
• Unique Chord Voicings: While traditional chord shapes are obsolete, new and exciting chord voicings will undoubtedly emerge through experimentation, particularly by utilizing barre positions or partial chords that cleverly exploit the re-entrant intervals.

In summary, "EMO AF" is a tuning for the adventurous guitarist keen to transcend conventional approaches and explore a deeply expressive and harmonically rich sonic palette. It's perfectly suited for creating atmospheric, experimental, or, as its name suggests, profoundly emotionally charged music.

How to Tune to EMO AF

To achieve the "EMO AF" tuning, you will adjust several strings from their standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Please pay close attention to the specific note and the number of semitones each string needs to be tuned up or down.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard A3 to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard D3 to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone from its standard G4 to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard E5 to C#5.

Important Note: While none of the adjustments in this particular tuning exceed 4 semitones up or down, generally, if you frequently tune a string more than 4 semitones (either up or down) from its standard pitch, it's advisable to consider using a different gauge string to ensure proper string tension and to prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings.