Tuning Analysis: Major Thirds F

This is a highly experimental and intriguing "Major Thirds F" tuning for the Guitar. It aims to provide an augmented chord voicing across its open strings, offering a unique and tension-rich sonic palette. While the underlying note names consistently follow a Major Third interval, the octave placements are highly unconventional, leading to significant pitch jumps between strings. This makes it challenging to play standard chord shapes and suggests a focus on arpeggiated figures, melodic lines, or experimental textures.

Technical Breakdown:

The open strings are tuned to F2, A2, C#4, F3, A3, C#5.

• String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A2): A standard Major Third interval (4 semitones).
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (C#4): This is a jump of two octaves plus a major third (28 semitones). This means String 4 is tuned extremely high relative to String 5, requiring a very thin gauge string and potentially a different saddle or nut setup.
• String 4 (C#4) to String 3 (F3): This is a significant drop in pitch (9 semitones down), breaking the ascending Major Third pattern among the exact string pitches.
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A3): Another Major Third (4 semitones).
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (C#5): A jump of one octave plus a Major Third (16 semitones), again requiring a very thin string for String 1.

Analyzing the note names (F, A, C#, F, A, C#), we observe a recurring pattern of Major Third intervals (F to A, A to C#, C# to F). This creates a consistent F Augmented triad (F, A, C#) across the available notes. The tuning_description "made up" accurately reflects the experimental and highly specific nature of this tuning.

Open Chords & Playability:

Strumming all open strings will produce an F Augmented chord (F, A, C#). This chord, characterized by its dissonant yet symmetrical sound, forms the sonic foundation of this tuning. Due to the extreme variations in pitch and octave jumps between strings, traditional barre chords will be practically impossible. Instead, players might explore arpeggios that highlight the F Augmented sound, single-note melodic lines, or two- and three-note chord voicings that leverage the consistent Major Third intervals among the note names. The unique string intervals will encourage innovative fingerings and sonic exploration.

How to Tune:

Important Note on Discrepancy: The following tuning instructions describe the semitone movements from standard guitar tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4). Please be aware that, for some strings, the notes resulting from these movements (e.g., C#3 for the 4th string and C#4 for the 1st string) differ in octave from the target notes (C#4 and C#5, respectively) specified in the "Tuning Notes" section below. This discrepancy indicates either a very unique interpretation of 'standard' string pitch or that a specific string set (e.g., octave-up strings for certain positions) is implicitly required to achieve the exact target notes as described in the tuning_notes. Exercise caution when tuning and ensure your string gauges can handle the tension changes, especially for larger movements.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2. (Movement: +1)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2. (Movement: 0)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#3. (Movement: -1)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3. (Movement: -2)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. (Movement: -2)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#4. (Movement: -3)

Caution: When movements exceed 4 semitones (up or down), a different gauge string is generally advised to ensure optimal tone and string integrity. For this tuning, all individual string movements are within a safe range of 3 semitones or less, making it generally safe for standard string gauges. However, always tune carefully and monitor string tension.

Tuning Notes (from Low E to High E String):

• 6th String: F2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: C#4
• 3rd String: F3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: C#5