Tuning Analysis: Far Away Tuning

This distinctive tuning, named "Far Away Tuning" after its association with Nickelback's song "Far Away," departs significantly from standard EADGBe. It creates a resonant and open sonic texture that is integral to the song's signature sound. The tuning involves several strings being lowered, which results in a slightly reduced string tension and contributes to a warmer, fuller harmonic character.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are E2 G3# C4# F4# B3 C5#. When arranged harmonically, these notes (E, G#, B, C#, F#) form a rich E Major 6/9 chord. This means simply strumming the open strings produces a lush, complex, and pleasing major tonality.

• Harmonic Foundation: The combination of E, G#, and B establishes a clear E Major triad. The addition of C# (the major 6th) and F# (the major 9th) creates an extended chord voicing (Emaj6/9) which is inherently bright and expansive.
• Interval Relationships: From the low E string, we observe the following intervals: E-G# (Major 3rd), E-B (Perfect 5th), E-C# (Major 6th), E-F# (Major 9th). This structure lends itself to open, ringing chords and arpeggios.
• String Groupings: The middle strings (5th, 4th, 3rd) are tuned to G#3, C4#, F4# respectively. From G# to C# is a perfect 4th, and from C# to F# is another perfect 4th. This stacking of perfect fourths on these strings makes certain power chord shapes or suspended voicings easily accessible by simple barring.
• Resonance: The lower tunings on several strings (A, D, G, and high E from standard) can lead to increased resonance and sustain, adding depth to the overall sound.

Open Chords and Voicings

The natural harmony of this tuning offers several immediately usable chordal possibilities:

• Open Strum: Strumming all six open strings yields a full and ethereal Emaj6/9 chord, perfect for sustained atmospheric passages or as a rich starting point for melodic exploration.
• Easy Bar Chords: The consistent perfect fourth intervals on strings G#3, C4#, F4# (5th, 4th, 3rd) allow for easily barred power chords or extensions across these strings. For instance, barring the 2nd fret across these strings will yield A# - D# - G#, providing a strong harmonic foundation.
• Arpeggiated Textures: The wide and harmonious intervals across the open strings are ideal for creating sparkling arpeggios, adding a sense of spaciousness and depth to your playing.

How to Tune from Standard EADGBe

To achieve the Far Away Tuning, adjust your guitar strings as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C4#.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#.

Important Note on String Tension: All string adjustments in this tuning are within a relatively safe range (maximum 3 semitones down). While generally safe for standard gauge strings, always exercise caution when tuning, especially when making significant changes. Tuning down by more than 4 semitones or tuning up by more than 3-4 semitones might require a change in string gauge to maintain optimal playability and intonation, but this is not a concern for the movements required in this particular tuning.

6th String: E2 (Standard Low E)

5th String: G3#

4th String: C4#

3rd String: F4#

2nd String: B3 (Standard B)

1st String: C5#