This distinctive guitar tuning, named EGDF#AC#, is known for its use in Erik Mongrain's evocative song "Muse." It significantly departs from standard EADGBe tuning, offering a rich and complex harmonic landscape ideal for fingerstyle, atmospheric playing, and exploring unique chord voicings.

Technical Analysis

Starting from standard tuning, this arrangement involves a series of downward adjustments, resulting in open string notes that (when interpreted for practical guitar range based on semitone movements) are E2, G2, D3, F#3, A3, and C#4. (Note: The provided tuning notes in the JSON specify F4# and C5# for the 3rd and 1st strings respectively. While technically possible, these extreme octaves would imply very high tension and are less common for such small semitone drops from standard G3 and E4. For practical musical analysis and playability, we will consider the more conventional F#3 and C#4 derived from the tuning movements.)

• The open strings E-G-D-F#-A-C# form a sophisticated collection of notes. This combination closely resembles an E minor 13th chord (E-G-B-D-F#-A-C#) with the 5th (B) omitted. This foundation immediately imbues the tuning with a rich, slightly jazzy, and deeply resonant minor tonality.
• Examining the intervals between adjacent strings reveals: a minor third (E-G), a perfect fifth (G-D), a major third (D-F#), a minor third (F#-A), and a major third (A-C#). This sequence of thirds and a prominent fifth creates a harmonious structure that lends itself to lush arpeggios and melodic exploration.
• The open D, F#, and A on the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (D3-F#3-A3) allow for easy formation of D major voicings by simply barring these three strings. This offers a bright contrast within the tuning's overall minor character. The low E and G, combined with the D string, also establish a strong E minor 7th foundation.
• This tuning is particularly well-suited for intricate fingerstyle arrangements, where the open strings can ring out as drones or form complex, sustained chords. The downward adjustments across most strings contribute to a slightly slacker feel, which can enhance playability for bends, vibrato, and legato techniques.

How to Tune

To achieve the EGDF#AC# tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones. The note changes from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone. The note changes from G3 to F#3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones. The note changes from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones. The note changes from E4 to C#4.

Always tune incrementally and with caution. While none of these individual string movements exceed the recommended +/- 4 semitones that might necessitate a different string gauge, it's always important to be mindful of your instrument's tension. We advise using a reliable electronic tuner for accuracy and listening carefully for any signs of undue stress on your guitar.

String 6: E2

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: F4#

String 2: A3

String 1: C5#