Tuning Analysis: Ben Howard - Follies Fixture

This is a truly unique and deeply resonant open tuning, famously utilized by Ben Howard for his evocative track 'Follies Fixture'. It's a prime example of how unconventional tunings can unlock entirely new sonic landscapes, moving far beyond the boundaries of standard guitar voicings.

Verbal Observations

The tuning offers a rich, almost brooding quality, particularly due to the significant lowering of the higher strings. It's designed for intricate fingerstyle, allowing for drones and open string harmonies that would be impossible in standard tuning. The overall sound tends towards a melancholic, atmospheric, and highly textural quality, characteristic of Ben Howard's style. Players will find a fresh approach to the fretboard, encouraging discovery of new chord shapes and melodic possibilities due to the altered string relationships.

Technical Observations

The open string notes, from low to high (6th to 1st string), are E2, G3#, C4#, F4#, E3, F4#. This creates a complex harmonic structure that isn't a simple major or minor triad, but rather a rich extended chord. Looking at the core intervals:

• The lowest strings (E2, G3#, C4#) establish a foundation that hints strongly at an E Major 6th chord (E G# B C#), although the 5th (B) is absent.
• The presence of F4# on both the 3rd and 1st strings creates a powerful unison drone, adding significant sustain and harmonic depth when those strings are played open or allowed to resonate.
• The E2 and E3 strings are an octave apart, providing a full, ringing quality to the root note of E.
• Technically, the open strings form an Emaj6/9 (E G# C# F#) with the 5th (B) omitted and the E and F# duplicated at different octaves. This creates a very open, expansive chord that is highly evocative and lends itself to intricate voicings.

Due to the large drops in pitch on the higher strings, the overall string tension will be considerably lower than standard, contributing to its unique feel and potential for expressive bends. This tuning particularly lends itself to:

• Open Chords: The natural resonance of the open strings themselves forms a rich, complex Emaj6/9 (no 5th) chord.
• Accessible Chords: Simple finger placements, especially around the lower frets, can easily yield variations of E major, E6, or Emaj9 chords, often with an added F# or C# voicing. The replicated F# and E notes across strings mean that common barre chord shapes will produce unexpected and unique voicings, often with sustained drone notes and interesting harmonic clusters. For example, a single finger barre across strings 1-3 could create interesting intervals with the lower open strings.
• Fingerstyle: The wide intervals and potential for drone strings make it exceptional for intricate fingerpicking patterns where individual notes can ring out and weave together.

This tuning demands an exploratory approach, rewarding players with an array of lush textures and resonant harmonies distinct from conventional guitar playing.

Open String Notes

Here are the specific notes for each open string, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): G3#
• 4th String (D): C4#
• 3rd String (G): F4#
• 2nd String (B): E3
• 1st String (High E): F4#

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Ben Howard - Follies Fixture' tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these precise steps, noting the semitone movements:

• 6th String (E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G3#.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C4#.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 7 semitones to E3. This is a significant drop (a perfect fifth down). If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a lighter gauge string for better playability, intonation, and to prevent excessive slack, as the tension will be considerably lower.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 10 semitones to F4#. This is an extremely substantial drop (a major sixth below the standard open E, or nearly an octave and two semitones). A much lighter gauge string is very strongly advised for this string to prevent it from being overly slack, prone to buzzing, or difficult to intonate properly at such low tension.

Please be mindful of string tension when tuning down significantly, especially for the 2nd and 1st strings. Gradual tuning and proper string gauges can enhance your experience and protect your guitar.