Tuning Analysis: FACGDE

This unique tuning, aptly named FACGDE, was inspired by a desire to play specific melodic lines, as indicated by its creator's note: "I made this so i can play the first three notes of never meant lmaoooooo". This provides valuable insight into its origin, suggesting a tuning crafted for particular fingerings and melodic possibilities, often a characteristic found in genres like math rock or emo.

Verbal Analysis

The FACGDE tuning presents a rich and somewhat unusual sonic landscape. The lowest three strings (F-A-C) immediately establish a strong F Major tonality, providing a deep, resonant foundation. The combination of the lower F-A-C with the higher G-D-E creates a fascinating blend of darkness and brightness. When strummed open, the tuning rings out a complex, harmonically rich chord, making it excellent for open, ringing voicings or intricate arpeggios. The arrangement of perfect fifths (C-G, G-D) interspersed with major thirds (F-A) and a major second (D-E) offers both familiar power chord shapes and unique melodic intervals, inviting creative exploration beyond standard chord voicings.

Technical Analysis

• Open Chord Voicing: Strumming all strings open yields an F-A-C-G-D-E chord. This can be technically described as an F Major 7th chord with added 9th and 13th (Fmaj13(add9)). This is a very lush, extended chord, offering a sophisticated sound perfect for ambient textures, jazz, or progressive rock.
• Harmonic Relationships:
  • The lowest three strings (F-A-C) form a clear F Major triad, making F Major-based chords very accessible with minimal fretting.
  • The intervals from low to high are: Major 3rd (F-A), Minor 3rd (A-C), Perfect 5th (C-G), Perfect 5th (G-D), Major 2nd (D-E).
  • The presence of two consecutive perfect fifths (C-G and G-D) on the middle strings allows for easy power chords or melodic movements across those strings, creating a strong harmonic backbone.
• Chord Accessibility: Beyond the resonant open Fmaj13(add9), this tuning naturally facilitates F Major chords using the lower strings. Shapes resembling standard G and C chords might also be found or adapted on the higher strings due to the G and C notes being present in the open tuning. The open C and G notes on strings 4 and 3 respectively can serve as stable drone notes or foundations for various modal explorations.

String Notes & How to Tune

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

• String 6 (Low E equivalent): F2
• String 5 (A equivalent): A2
• String 4 (D equivalent): C3
• String 3 (G equivalent): G3
• String 2 (B equivalent): D4
• String 1 (High E equivalent): E4

How to Tune from Standard EADGBe:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. (Minor adjustment, generally safe.)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change from A2. (0 semitones)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3. (Minor adjustment, generally safe.)
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change from G3. (0 semitones)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4. CAUTION ADVISED: This is a significant tension increase for the string. While not strictly exceeding the common threshold of 4 semitones for a mandatory string gauge change, it is close. Proceed with care when tuning, ensuring your guitar neck can handle the added tension. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider a slightly lighter gauge string for your 2nd string to mitigate excessive tension and potential string breakage.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change from E4. (0 semitones)