Jon Gomm's Passion Flower Tuning

The "Passion Flower" tuning, popularized by the renowned fingerstyle guitarist Jon Gomm, is a highly distinctive and deeply resonant alternative tuning for the guitar. It departs significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a rich harmonic landscape ideal for percussive techniques, intricate melodies, and unique chord voicings that are characteristic of Gomm's innovative playing style. This tuning liberates the fretboard, encouraging players to explore new musical territories and unconventional harmonic relationships.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2 G2 B2 F3 G3 B3 (from low to high). Let's examine the intervals between the open strings:

• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (G2): Minor Third (3 semitones)
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (B2): Major Third (4 semitones)
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (F3): Augmented Fourth / Tritone (6 semitones) - This wide and dissonant interval is a defining characteristic of the tuning, creating tension and unique harmonic color.
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (G3): Major Second (2 semitones)
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (B3): Major Third (4 semitones)

The combination of notes E-G-B (strings 6, 5, 4) forms an E minor triad, providing a stable minor foundation. However, the introduction of F3 on the 3rd string creates a complex harmonic environment, departing from a simple chord. This F3 acts as a prominent dissonance or a key melodic note, likely intended to be used within specific scales or arpeggios that Gomm employs. The upper strings (G3-B3) form a major third. This blend of minor, major, and tritone intervals offers a very open and harmonically rich texture when strummed or arpeggiated.

Open Chords and Fretboard Exploration

While the open strings do not form a conventional basic chord, the presence of E, G, and B on the lower three strings makes accessible various E minor-based shapes. The unique intervals, particularly the tritone between the 4th and 3rd strings, means that standard chord shapes will need to be completely re-learned or adapted. This tuning is not designed for easy transposition of standard chords; rather, it encourages players to discover new voicings and melodic possibilities inherent in its structure.

Due to the significant drops in pitch on most strings, the strings will feel slacker than in standard tuning, which can aid in percussive techniques, bends, and vibrato. This slacker tension, combined with the unique intervals, is perfect for the kind of experimental and expressive playing that Jon Gomm is known for, allowing for wide stretches and intricate fingerwork across the fretboard.

Tuning Notes

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A String): G2
• String 4 (D String): B2
• String 3 (G String): F3
• String 2 (B String): G3
• String 1 (High E): B3

How to Tune to Passion Flower

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe. Please refer to the instructions below for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone, though it may be acceptable for some setups.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. (Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a very substantial drop. It is highly recommended to use a significantly heavier gauge string for the high E to maintain playable tension and prevent string breakage or fret buzz.)

Always tune carefully and gradually to avoid string breakage, especially when making large adjustments. Enjoy exploring the unique sonic possibilities of Jon Gomm's Passion Flower tuning!