Tuning Analysis: James Blackshaw Two Up

This unique tuning, James Blackshaw Two Up, transforms the standard guitar setup into a distinctive sonic landscape. The original description notes "james blackshaw two upjames blackshaw two upjames blackshaw two upjames blackshaw two upjames blackshaw two up", highlighting its specific association and potentially its layered or repetitive sonic characteristics.

Verbal Description

At first glance, this tuning offers a rich, resonant drone on the lower strings, built around an E Major harmony. The lowest four strings (E-G#-E-G#) create a powerful E Major arpeggio, providing a stable and open foundation. However, the higher strings introduce a compelling tension. With the second string tuned to A and the first to B, a close-voiced cluster of G#, A, and B emerges on the upper register. This creates a very modern, almost suspended or modal quality, moving away from simple major chord voicings. It suggests a tuning ideal for intricate fingerstyle, providing a sustained harmonic backdrop against which melodic lines can weave through the tightly packed upper notes. It's less about strumming conventional chords and more about exploring resonant intervals and dissonances that resolve or create new harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned as follows, from lowest to highest: E2 - G#3 - E3 - G#4 - A3 - B3.

• The 6th string remains at standard E2.
• The 5th string (G#3) is tuned up a Major Third from the 6th string E2, creating an interval of 4 semitones.
• The 4th string (E3) is tuned a Perfect Fourth from the 5th string G#3 (5 semitones), or a perfect octave from the 6th string E2.
• The 3rd string (G#4) is a Major Third from the 4th string E3 (4 semitones), or a perfect octave from the 5th string G#3.
• The 2nd string (A3) is a remarkably tight Minor Second (1 semitone) above the 3rd string G#4. This close interval is a key characteristic of the tuning's unique sound.
• The 1st string (B3) is a Major Second (2 semitones) above the 2nd string A3.

The tuning essentially creates an open E Major triad on strings 6, 5, 4, and 3 (E-G#-E-G#). This robust base provides a strong harmonic anchor. The inclusion of A and B on the upper strings (G# - A - B) creates a unique cluster. While not forming a traditional open chord across all strings, this arrangement suggests a focus on specific arpeggios, melodic movements, or drone-based compositions. For example, an E Major 7th chord (E-G#-B-D#) could be achieved by simply fretting the 2nd string (A) down two semitones to G# (or 1 semitone down to G# if the A was B) and the 1st string (B) to D# (3 semitones up). More immediately, the G# on the 3rd string, A on the 2nd, and B on the 1st string are within a single fret's reach of various suspended or added-note chords relative to E Major. For instance, fretting the 2nd string A down one fret to G# would create a fuller E Major voicing, or leaving it as A opens up Eadd4/11 tonalities.

This tuning, with its E Major foundation and unique upper-string cluster, invites exploration of intricate arpeggios, droning textures, and resonant harmonic interplay, perfect for a modern fingerstyle approach.

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

• 6th String (Low E): Target Note: E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard pitch.
• 5th String (A): Target Note: G#3. Tune down 1 semitone. Move the A string down to G#.
• 4th String (D): Target Note: E3. Tune up 2 semitones. Raise the D string to E.
• 3rd String (G): Target Note: G#4. Tune up 1 semitone. Raise the G string to G#.
• 2nd String (B): Target Note: A3. Tune down 2 semitones. Lower the B string to A.
• 1st String (High E): Target Note: B3. Tune down 5 semitones. Lower the high E string significantly to B. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial change. For optimal playability and string longevity, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 1st string to maintain appropriate tension and tone.

Always use a reliable tuner and tune carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument.

Open Tuning Notes

• 6th String: E2
• 5th String: G#3
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: G#4
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: B3