The FACGAE tuning is a distinctive and expressive guitar tuning, often favored in modern music genres like math rock and experimental pop, as noted by its association with artists such as Yvette Young. This tuning moves away from standard open chords to offer a unique sonic landscape, ideal for intricate arpeggiated passages and shimmering textures.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to F2-A2-C3-G3-A3-E4. The bottom three strings (F-A-C) form a clear F Major triad, providing a strong tonal foundation. This makes open F Major voicings readily available and resonant. The higher strings, G-A-E, introduce interesting harmonic extensions and color. The presence of G (a Major 2nd/9th above F) and E (a Major 7th above F) over the F Major triad suggests an Fmaj7(add9) chord quality when all strings are strummed open. This creates a rich, complex sound that can be both consonant and subtly dissonant, perfect for crafting emotive and modern chord voicings. The intervallic relationships between the upper strings (a whole step between G and A, and a perfect fourth between A and E) allow for melodic exploration and open string drones that can sustain and interact in unique ways. This tuning encourages creative fretboard exploration, moving beyond conventional chord shapes to discover fresh harmonic possibilities.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): F2
• String 5 (A): A2
• String 4 (D): C3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (B): A3
• String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune:

To achieve the FACGAE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E to F2. (Movement: +1 semitone)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change. (Movement: 0 semitones)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C3. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change. (Movement: 0 semitones)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A3. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change. (Movement: 0 semitones)

Note on String Gauges: For significant tuning changes (typically more than 4 semitones up or down), it is often recommended to consider a different string gauge to maintain optimal string tension and guitar setup. The changes in this tuning are relatively minor, so standard string gauges should generally work well without major issues, but always listen to your guitar and make adjustments if necessary.