This unique tuning, aptly named Alternating Thirds, presents a fascinating approach to the guitar fretboard. As its name suggests, each adjacent pair of strings is precisely a third apart, with the interval alternating between a major third and a minor third across the neck.

Verbal Analysis

The tuning's structure allows for very close voicings of common three-note and four-note chords, which can unlock new melodic and harmonic possibilities, particularly for fingerstyle players or those exploring jazz and classical arrangements. However, this non-standard interval pattern means that traditional bar chord shapes become largely impractical or require significant re-learning. A significant benefit, as described in the tuning, is the reduction in fretboard patterns: unlike standard tuning's three different patterns, Alternating Thirds simplifies it to just two, potentially making improvisation and scale navigation more intuitive once acclimated. A practical consideration mentioned is that standard-gauge strings may be too slack for the higher strings due to the significant detuning required, which could impact tone and playability.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F2-A2-C3-E3-G3-B3 (low to high). Examining the intervals between these open strings reveals the 'alternating thirds' pattern:

• String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A2): Major Third (4 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (C3): Minor Third (3 semitones)
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (E3): Major Third (4 semitones)
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (G3): Minor Third (3 semitones)
• String 2 (G3) to String 1 (B3): Major Third (4 semitones)

This consistent interval pattern, while not completely regular like an all-fourths or all-fifths tuning, provides a predictable framework. The open tuning itself implies a stack of thirds, which makes specific triads readily available across adjacent strings without fretting:

• Strings 6-5-4 (F-A-C): Forms an F Major triad.
• Strings 5-4-3 (A-C-E): Forms an A Minor triad.
• Strings 4-3-2 (C-E-G): Forms a C Major triad.
• Strings 3-2-1 (E-G-B): Forms an E Minor triad.

These accessible open string voicings can be a fantastic starting point for melodic exploration and chordal accompaniment, especially within the keys of F Major, C Major, and their relative minors. The uniformity in interval types (M3, m3, M3, m3, M3) means that diagonal patterns for scales and arpeggios will repeat, simplifying navigation for melodic passages.

Open String Notes:

String 6 (Lowest): F2
String 5: A2
String 4: C3
String 3: E3
String 2: G3
String 1 (Highest): B3

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

To achieve the Alternating Thirds tuning, adjust your guitar strings as follows. Please note that string movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) may benefit from a different string gauge for optimal tension and playability, as significant changes can affect tone and string life.

• String 6 (Low E equivalent): Tune to F2. Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 5 (A string equivalent): Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D string equivalent): Tune to C3. Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G string equivalent): Tune to E3. Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B string equivalent): Tune to G3. Tune down 4 semitones.
• String 1 (High E equivalent): Tune to B3. Tune down 5 semitones. (Consider a different string gauge for this significant drop)