Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, known as the "American Football - Stay Home" tuning, evokes a shimmering, melancholic, and open sound often associated with indie rock and emo genres. It's designed for rich arpeggios and resonant, sustained chords, creating a distinct atmospheric texture. The open strings themselves form a compelling sonic landscape, inviting exploration of non-standard chord voicings and melodic patterns that stray from conventional shapes. This tuning leans into an ethereal quality, perfect for intricate fingerstyle or spacious chord work.

Technical Analysis

Standard guitar tuning is E-A-D-G-B-e. This tuning, F-A-D-A-C-F (low to high), significantly alters the intervals and harmonic possibilities:

• 6th String (Low E): Tuned up one semitone to F2.
• 5th String (A): Remains at standard A2.
• 4th String (D): Remains at standard D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tuned up two semitones to A3, creating an octave with the 5th string's A.
• 2nd String (B): Tuned up one semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High e): Tuned up one semitone to F4.

The open strings F-A-D-A-C-F present a rich harmonic cluster. The notes F, A, C form an F Major triad. The inclusion of the D string adds a Major 6th, strongly suggesting an F Major 6 chord (F-A-C-D) or, when viewed from the D, a Dm7(b5) (D-F-A-C). This harmonic ambiguity is characteristic of the genre, allowing for both bright and melancholic interpretations.

The repeated A (strings 5 and 3) and F (strings 6 and 1) create a natural resonance and sustain. The intervals between adjacent strings are:

• F2-A2 (Major 3rd)
• A2-D3 (Perfect 4th)
• D3-A3 (Perfect 5th)
• A3-C4 (Minor 3rd)
• C4-F4 (Perfect 4th)

This combination of 3rds, 4ths, and 5ths creates a balanced, open sound where conventional barre chords will not apply, encouraging the discovery of new fingerings and shapes across the fretboard.

Open Chords and Reachable Voicings

The open tuning itself rings out as a complex chord, primarily an F Major 6 or Dm7(b5). This provides an immediate, resonant foundation for compositions. Due to the repeated A and F notes, chords struck will have a lush, sustaining quality.

• Open F Major 6 / Dm7(b5): All strings open (F-A-D-A-C-F) create a full, rich chord that can serve as a home base, or a beautiful drone.
• F Major Triads: By simply muting the 4th string, you can easily achieve an F Major triad. Sliding a single finger or partial barre up and down the neck will reveal new F-based voicings.
• D Minor Shapes: The presence of D, F, A, C makes Dm7, Dm, or even Dmadd9 shapes easily accessible by manipulating a few strings. For example, a D minor triad (D-F-A) is available, with the C supporting Dm7.
• Drone Strings: The open F, A, and D strings can function as excellent drone notes, allowing single-note melodies or other chord shapes to be played over them, adding depth and texture.
• Arpeggiated Figures: The consistent intervals, especially the perfect 4ths and 5ths, are ideal for arpeggiated fingerpicking patterns that ring out beautifully, a hallmark of the American Football sound.

How to Tune

To achieve the "American Football - Stay Home" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High e): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

Important Note: Several strings require tuning up. While most are within a safe range, tuning up 2 semitones on the 3rd (G) string should be done carefully to avoid string breakage, especially if using an older or lighter gauge string. For any tuning movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, or for frequent use of such tunings, consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal tone and prevent damage.

String 6 (Low E string in standard tuning): Tuned to F2. This is one semitone higher than standard E2, providing a deeper, richer bass note that anchors the tuning in F.

String 5 (A string in standard tuning): Tuned to A2. This string remains at its standard pitch, acting as an essential anchor and providing a perfect fifth to the open D string.

String 4 (D string in standard tuning): Tuned to D3. This string also remains at its standard pitch, contributing significantly to the open chord voicing and creating a perfect fifth with the 3rd string's A.

String 3 (G string in standard tuning): Tuned to A3. This is two semitones higher than standard G3, creating a unison with the 5th string's A (an octave higher) and forming a resonant perfect fifth with the 4th string's D.

String 2 (B string in standard tuning): Tuned to C4. This is one semitone higher than standard B3, adding a minor third interval above the 3rd string's A and completing the F major triad with the low F and high F strings.

String 1 (High e string in standard tuning): Tuned to F4. This is one semitone higher than standard E4, completing the F major triad with the low F and C strings and creating a bright, resonant upper register that complements the lower F.