Tuning Analysis: Lenker-Smith Inspired Open Tuning

This distinctive tuning, named "Lenker-Smith Inspired Open Tuning," draws its inspiration from the innovative guitar work of artists like Adrianne Lenker and Elliott Smith. It moves beyond standard tunings to offer a unique sonic palette, ideal for intricate fingerstyle, rich open chords, and atmospheric soundscapes. The arrangement of notes encourages exploration of new harmonic territories, moving between familiar and unexpected voicings with ease.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning (F-A-C-G-B-C) offers a rich and resonant experience. The lower three strings (F-A-C) immediately establish a strong F major triad, providing a warm, grounded foundation. As you move to the upper strings (G-B-C), the harmony becomes more complex and open. The open strings together present an interesting chord, hinting at an F major quality but enriched with additional tones (G and B). This allows for open voicings that are neither strictly major nor minor, but rather imbued with suspended or added intervals. You'll find that simple finger shapes can yield lush F major and C major voicings, alongside more sophisticated chords featuring major 7ths and added 9ths. This tuning is particularly well-suited for creating beautiful arpeggiated patterns and drone-like textures, reflecting the intimate and often melancholic styles of its inspirational artists.

Technical Analysis

The intervals between the open strings are as follows (from 6th to 1st string):

• F2 to A2: Major 3rd
• A2 to C3: Minor 3rd
• C3 to G3: Perfect 5th
• G3 to B3: Major 3rd
• B3 to C4: Minor 2nd (Half Step)

This unique sequence of intervals deviates significantly from standard tuning. The presence of two C notes (C3 and C4) across different octaves provides a resonant depth, while the proximity of B3 and C4 on the upper strings introduces a subtle tension that can be beautifully exploited. The tuning facilitates easy access to F major and C major open chords, but also opens doors to chords like Fadd9 and various suspended voicings with minimal fingering adjustments. The wide string movements required for this tuning, especially on the 1st string, mean that players should exercise caution. For sustained use or if experiencing string tension issues, considering a different string gauge may be beneficial.

How to Tune

To achieve the Lenker-Smith Inspired Open Tuning, follow these steps from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Please use a reliable tuner and proceed carefully, especially with larger pitch changes:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2. (Movement: +1 semitone)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Movement: -4 semitones) Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. Ensure your string can handle this slack without buzzing excessively, or consider a slightly heavier gauge string for better tension and tone.

Important Advisory: While most string movements in this tuning are moderate, tuning down 4 semitones on the high E string can result in reduced string tension. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, or if you encounter issues with intonation or playability, it is advisable to consider a different string gauge to optimize performance and prevent potential string damage or discomfort.

String 6: F2 (Low E string tuned up 1 semitone from standard E)

String 5: A2 (A string kept as is from standard A)

String 4: C3 (D string tuned down 2 semitones from standard D)

String 3: G3 (G string kept as is from standard G)

String 2: B3 (B string kept as is from standard B)

String 1: C4 (High E string tuned down 4 semitones from standard E)