Tuning Analysis: Peter Gergely Stay with me

This unique guitar tuning, named "Peter Gergely Stay with me", is directly associated with the acclaimed guitarist Peter Gergely, suggesting it's tailored for a specific composition or style he employs. At its core, this tuning is remarkably close to standard EADGBe, with only one crucial alteration that redefines the lowest string's function.

Technical Breakdown:

Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, the "Peter Gergely Stay with me" tuning features the following notes from low to high: F2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4. The most significant characteristic is the first (lowest) string, which is tuned up from a low E to an F. All other strings remain in their standard pitch (A, D, G, B, E).

Verbal Description and Playability:

This subtle yet impactful change transforms the lowest string into an F. While the majority of the guitar remains in standard tuning, the elevated bass note opens up new possibilities for bass lines, droning effects, and rhythmic patterns that might revolve around the F major or F minor tonality. The open strings themselves (F-A-D-G-B-E) don't form a complete common chord like a full open G or D, but the F and A together provide the root and major third of an F major chord. This allows for easy access to F major harmony by simply fretting a C on the D string (5th fret) to complete an open F major triad (F-A-C). The standard upper strings ensure that a vast library of familiar chord shapes and scales remains accessible, but the low F string offers a powerful new root for bass notes or pedal tones, likely central to Peter Gergely's specific musical arrangements. It encourages fingerstyle players to utilize the open F string as a foundational element, creating a rich, resonant sound that departs from the typical low E.

Tuning Notes:

• 6th String (Low E string position): F2
• 5th String (A string position): A2
• 4th String (D string position): D3
• 3rd String (G string position): G3
• 2nd String (B string position): B3
• 1st String (High E string position): E4

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Peter Gergely Stay with me" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitones to F2. (Note: Tuning up 1 semitone is generally safe, but always tune slowly and carefully.)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) – remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) – remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) – remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) – remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) – remains E4.