This is the Open Fmaj7 tuning, a beautifully resonant and harmonically rich configuration specifically designed to create a full F Major 7th chord when all open strings are strummed. The user describes this as a custom variation based on the fundamental notes of an Fmaj7 chord: F, A, C, E, tailored to their personal preference. This tuning is excellent for fingerstyle playing, slide guitar, or for composers looking for a fresh sonic palette.

Verbal Analysis

The sonic character of this tuning is bright and open, immediately evoking a sense of calm and sophistication due to the prominent Major 7th (E) on the highest string. The double Fs and Cs across the lower and middle strings provide a strong, foundational resonance, allowing for sustained drones and rich harmonic movement. The configuration lends itself well to genres like jazz, folk, and ambient music, where complex harmonies and open voicings are desired. It’s also very intuitive for slide guitar, as a single slide across all strings will consistently produce a Major 7th chord.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F2-A2-C3-F3-C4-E4, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. This arrangement perfectly spells out an Fmaj7 chord: F (root), A (major third), C (perfect fifth), F (octave root), C (perfect fifth), E (major seventh). This creates a powerful and full Fmaj7 voicing in the open position. The intervals relative to the lowest F (F2) are: Root, M3, P5, Octave, P5, M7. The retention of the high E string as E4 (a M7th to F) is a key feature, giving the tuning its distinctive character, while the A2 on the 5th string provides a solid major third.

Accessible Chords:

• Open Fmaj7: Strumming all open strings immediately produces a full, resonant Fmaj7 chord.
• Barre Chords: By barring all strings at any fret, you can easily create other Major 7th chords. For example, barring at the 1st fret yields F#maj7, and at the 5th fret, Amaj7. This makes transposing simple.
• Fmaj7 Voicings: Different inversions and voicings of Fmaj7 are readily available. For instance, strings 5, 4, 3, 2 (A2-C3-F3-C4) form an Fmaj7/A voicing, while strings 4, 3, 2, 1 (C3-F3-C4-E4) form an Fmaj7/C with the characteristic Major 7th.
• Dominant 7th Chords: While not inherent, one could create an F7 chord by flattening the E (1st string) by one semitone to Eb, opening up blues and dominant harmony possibilities, though this requires an additional tuning adjustment.
• Other Triads: Specific fingering on the top three or four strings can yield various major, minor, or suspended triads, taking advantage of the open fifths and thirds. For example, pressing the 1st fret on the 1st string would give an F on top, resulting in a more 'resolved' F major chord sound if only the top strings are played.

Here are the specific notes for each string in this Open Fmaj7 tuning, along with a detailed guide on how to adjust your guitar from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning.

Tuning Notes

String 6 (Low E): F2
String 5 (A): A2
String 4 (D): C3
String 3 (G): F3
String 2 (B): C4
String 1 (High E): E4

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

Please follow these instructions carefully for each string. Remember to tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. (Tune up 1 semitones)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change from A2 to A2. (Keep as is; no change (0 semitones))
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3. (Tune down 2 semitones)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3. (Tune down 2 semitones)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4. (Tune up 1 semitones)
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change from E4 to E4. (Keep as is; no change (0 semitones))

All string movements are within safe limits (within -4 to +4 semitones), so a change in string gauge is generally not required for this tuning. Always listen to your guitar and exercise caution when making tuning adjustments.