Tuning Analysis: Alternate Feels Tuning

The "Alternate Feels Tuning" is specifically designed for the Guitar and gained recognition through its use on the song "grass" by Animal Collective. This tuning presents a bright, resonant, and harmonically rich soundscape, perfect for creating lush, open voicings and atmospheric textures. It provides a strong fundamental chord that makes it intuitive for exploring melodic ideas and drone-like compositions.

Technical Breakdown

• Open String Voicing: The open strings ring out as E2, G#3, E3, G#4, B3, E4. When strummed open, these notes form a full E Major chord (E - G# - B) with several octaves and inversions, making it incredibly resonant and harmonious.
• Harmonic Structure: Noticeable features include the root E appearing on the 6th (E2), 4th (E3), and 1st (E4) strings. The major third G# is present on the 5th (G#3) and 3rd (G#4) strings, and the perfect fifth B is on the 2nd string (B3). This arrangement creates a powerful, layered E Major sound.
• Octave Relationships: The 6th string (E2) and 4th string (E3) are an octave apart, providing a deep, consistent root. Similarly, the 5th string (G#3) and 3rd string (G#4) are also an octave apart, reinforcing the major third. This abundance of octaves contributes to the tuning's full and ringing quality.
• Chordal Possibilities: The open tuning itself is a beautiful E Major chord. This means that a single finger barre across all six strings at any fret will yield a major chord in that key (e.g., 1st fret barred = F Major, 2nd fret barred = F# Major, etc.). This makes it exceptionally easy to play various major chords up and down the neck with minimal effort, lending itself well to rhythmic strumming or arpeggiated patterns.
• Melodic & Drone Potential: Given the open E Major foundation, melodies can be intricately woven around this stable harmonic center. The B string and high E string remain in standard pitch relative to the open E major chord, offering familiar melodic options while the lower strings provide a rich, continuous drone effect.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Alternate Feels Tuning" from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E to E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A to G#3): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 4th String (D to E3): Tune up 2 semitones. Please exercise care when tuning strings up.
• 3rd String (G to G#4): Tune up 1 semitone. Please exercise care when tuning strings up.
• 2nd String (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Note: Since no string requires tuning up or down more than 2 semitones, a change in string gauge is generally not necessary for this tuning, but always be cautious when tuning strings up to avoid breakage.

6th String: E2 (Low E)

5th String: G#3 (G sharp)

4th String: E3 (Middle E)

3rd String: G#4 (G sharp)

2nd String: B3 (B natural)

1st String: E4 (High E)