The FACGAC Tuning for Guitar presents a rich and resonant soundscape, built upon an Fadd9 chord structure. This tuning takes the standard EADGBe and reconfigures it to F-A-C-G-A-C from the low E to high E string, respectively. It’s inspired by the intricate tunings often explored in alternative and emo music, specifically noted as a variation on American Football's style, known for their atmospheric and arpeggiated guitar work.

Technical Analysis:

• The open strings spell F-A-C-G-A-C, forming an F major triad (F-A-C) with an added G (the 9th), creating an Fadd9 chord.
• The doubled A (strings 5 and 2) and C (strings 4 and 1) notes contribute significantly to the tuning's fullness and sustain, providing a shimmering, chorused effect when strummed openly.
• Intervals between strings from lowest to highest are: Major 3rd (F-A), Minor 3rd (A-C), Perfect 4th (C-G), Major 2nd (G-A), and Minor 3rd (A-C).
• This unique arrangement of intervals encourages melodic lines and arpeggios that highlight the Fadd9 harmony.

Musical Potential:

With its open Fadd9 chord, this tuning is exceptionally well-suited for fingerstyle playing, ambient soundscapes, and intricate arpeggios. Strumming the open strings immediately yields a beautiful, resonant Fadd9 chord, making it a powerful sonic foundation. The close voicings and repeated notes offer new harmonic possibilities for slide guitar or for crafting unique voicings by fretting just a few notes. Chords like F major, C major, and G major can be found or easily adapted with this tuning, often with open strings ringing out for added sustain and depth.

Here are the notes for each string in FACGAC tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String: F2 (Low F)
• 5th String: A2 (A)
• 4th String: C3 (C)
• 3rd String: G3 (G)
• 2nd String: A3 (High A)
• 1st String: C4 (High C)

How to Tune:

To achieve FACGAC tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2 to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. For optimal playability and string longevity, consider using a slightly heavier gauge string for the 1st string to maintain tension and tone.