Minivich Tuning: A Unique Harmonic Landscape

Inspired by a piano teacher's scale, the Minivich Tuning offers a truly distinct approach to the guitar's sonic possibilities. It deviates significantly from standard tuning, creating wide intervallic jumps and specific harmonic clusters that invite experimental playing and unique voicings.

Technical Analysis:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open String Notes (low to high): E2, G2, B2, D4, F4, A4

This tuning maintains the lowest E string at its standard E2 pitch. However, the subsequent strings are significantly altered:

• The 5th string (normally A2) is tuned down 2 semitones to G2, creating a minor third interval with the low E.
• The 4th string (normally D3) is tuned down 3 semitones to B2, forming a major third with the G2, completing an open E minor triad (E-G-B) on the lowest three strings.
• A dramatic leap occurs from the 4th to the 3rd string (normally G3), which is tuned up 7 semitones to D4. This is a staggering 15-semitone jump (an octave and a minor third) from B2!
• The 2nd string (normally B3) is tuned up 6 semitones to F4, a minor third above D4.
• Finally, the 1st string (normally E4) is tuned up 5 semitones to A4, a major third above F4. This creates an open D minor triad (D-F-A) on the highest three strings.

The overall tuning configuration is E2-G2-B2-D4-F4-A4. This results in a fascinating juxtaposition: an open E minor chord on the lower strings and an open D minor chord on the higher strings, separated by a vast registral gap. The intervallic relationships between adjacent strings are:

• E2 to G2: Minor Third (3 semitones)
• G2 to B2: Major Third (4 semitones)
• B2 to D4: Minor Third (spanning two octaves, a 15-semitone leap)
• D4 to F4: Minor Third (3 semitones)
• F4 to A4: Major Third (4 semitones)

Harmonic and Playing Observations:

The Minivich Tuning offers a unique sonic palette. Strumming all open strings (E-G-B-D-F-A) yields a complex, somewhat dissonant chord that can be interpreted as an E minor 7th with an added flat 9th (F) and 11th (A), perfect for avant-garde or atmospheric music. It encourages exploration beyond standard fretboard patterns, fostering a more piano-like approach to harmony and melody across different registers.

• Open Chords: You have an immediate open E minor chord (E-G-B) on the lowest three strings and an open D minor chord (D-F-A) on the highest three strings.
• Voicings: The enormous interval between the B2 (4th string) and D4 (3rd string) means conventional chord shapes will be largely impractical across this divide. However, this gap can be creatively exploited for wide, sparse voicings, arpeggios, or specific melodic lines that leverage the two distinct harmonic areas of the guitar.
• Ease of Play: The stacked minor and major thirds on the higher D-F-A strings could make moving simple shapes and creating triads within that register relatively intuitive after some exploration. Similarly, the open E minor on the lower strings provides a strong harmonic anchor.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Minivich Tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), follow these steps carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E2.
• 5th String (A String): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D String): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard D3 to B2.
• 3rd String (G String): Tune up 7 semitones from its standard G3 to D4. Caution: This is a significant change. Tuning a string up by 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) is a large movement. Consider using a different string gauge if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods.
• 2nd String (B String): Tune up 6 semitones from its standard B3 to F4. Caution: This is a significant change. Tuning a string up by 6 semitones (a tritone) is a large movement. Consider using a different string gauge if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods.
• 1st String (High E String): Tune up 5 semitones from its standard E4 to A4. Caution: This is a significant change. Tuning a string up by 5 semitones (a perfect fourth) is a large movement. Consider using a different string gauge if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods.

Always tune carefully and gradually, especially when increasing string tension significantly. Listen for signs of stress on the string or bridge, and consult a professional if unsure.

• 6th String: E2 (Lowest Pitch)
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: D4
• 2nd String: F4
• 1st String: A4 (Highest Pitch)