Verbal Analysis

The "Alternative Emo" tuning transforms your guitar into an instrument capable of unique and emotionally resonant soundscapes. As described, it's designed to facilitate "cool chords" and a "unique sound" when played. The open strings themselves present a complex harmony that encourages a distinctive approach to composition and improvisation. This tuning is particularly well-suited for genres that explore atmospheric textures, intricate arpeggios, and expressive melodic lines, common in Emo, Post-Rock, or experimental alternative music. Its blend of traditional harmony with striking dissonances offers a fresh palette for songwriters looking to push boundaries beyond standard tuning.

For instance, the provided example chord, where you fret the 6th and 4th strings at the 5th fret and the 3rd string at the 6th fret, creates a compelling and somewhat haunting cluster of notes (A, Bb, E, F, plus the open A strings). This combination moves away from conventional triads, producing a rich, ambiguous, and emotionally charged sound that truly embodies the 'Alternative Emo' spirit.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar's open strings to F1 A1 C2 F#3 A2 E3 (from low E to high E string). Let's break down its structure:

• The bottom three strings (F1, A1, C2) form a clear F Major triad (F-A-C). This provides a solid harmonic foundation and a strong sense of F major when strummed openly on these strings.
• The 3rd string (G string in standard tuning) is tuned to F#3. This note introduces a significant and striking dissonance against the F major triad, specifically a major second above the root F, or an augmented fourth/tritone (F to F#) if viewed chromatically. This F# can function as a sharpened fourth (#11) or a flattened fifth (b5) in relation to an F root, creating a tension-filled or 'jazzy' flavour.
• The 2nd string (B string in standard) is tuned to A2, reinforcing the major third of the F major chord.
• The 1st string (high E string in standard) is tuned to E3. This note acts as a major seventh above the root F, completing a complex harmony that can be interpreted as an F Major 7(#11) chord (F-A-C-E-F#). This chord type is known for its rich, often ethereal or slightly dissonant quality.

The repetition of 'A' across two strings (A1 on 5th and A2 on 2nd) further contributes to the tuning's resonant character. Due to the inherent F major triad and the unique F#/E extensions, this tuning makes it easy to imply F major-based harmonies with added tension, and it opens up possibilities for distinctive fingerings and open-string drones.

How to Tune

To achieve the Alternative Emo tuning (F A C F# A E), follow these specific adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune to F1. This requires tuning it up by 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning up by 4 semitones is a significant increase in tension. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 6th string, as movements of 4 or more semitones often advise a different gauge.
• 5th String (A): Tune to A1. This requires tuning it up by 3 semitones.
• 4th String (D): Tune to C2. This requires tuning it up by 1 semitone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune to F#3. This requires tuning it up by 2 semitones.
• 2nd String (B): Tune to A2. This string should remain as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E): Tune to E3. This requires tuning it up by 2 semitones.

The open strings for the Alternative Emo tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest pitch):

• String 6: F1 (the lowest note)
• String 5: A1
• String 4: C2
• String 3: F#3
• String 2: A2
• String 1: E3 (the highest note)