Tuning Analysis: FAECEF (Fmaj7)

This custom guitar tuning, aptly named FAECEF (Fmaj7), transforms your instrument into a lush, open F Major 7th chord. As described by its creator, it's designed to be "fun to use when tuned down," suggesting a versatile sonic landscape. The arrangement of notes, F2-A2-E3-C3-E4-F4, immediately rings out an Fmaj7 chord, providing a rich harmonic foundation even without fretting any notes.

Verbal Observations

• Sonic Character: The open strings create a full Fmaj7 chord, which sounds warm, sophisticated, and can be particularly inspiring for ambient, jazz, or folk styles. The presence of two Fs (F2 and F4) and two Es (E3 and E4) across different octaves adds depth and shimmer to the overall sound.
• Chordal Possibilities: The open tuning itself is an Fmaj7. This makes playing in the key of F Major or related modes very intuitive. Simple one or two-finger barres across higher frets will instantly yield complex voicings. For instance, moving this shape up two frets would give a Gmaj7.
• Melodic Potential: The creator notes that "the two top strings can form a 2-note chord with the same notes which can moved around very easily." The E4-F4 interval (a minor second) on the top two strings offers an expressive, often dissonant, yet melodically rich interval that can be easily manipulated to create leading tones, clusters, or passing harmonies. This tight interval allows for interesting melodic counterpoint against the broader lower strings.
• Unique Intervals: The drop from E3 to C3 on strings 4 and 3 creates an interesting interval that might be challenging initially but offers unique voicing possibilities for arpeggios or partial chords.

Technical Analysis

The tuning consists of the notes F2, A2, E3, C3, E4, F4 from low to high. This explicitly forms an Fmaj7 chord (F, A, C, E are the constituent notes) spread across two octaves.

• Open Chord Voicing: The open strings clearly spell out an Fmaj7 chord. Specifically, the notes are Root (F2), Major 3rd (A2), Major 7th (E3), Perfect 5th (C3), Major 7th (E4), and Root (F4). The unique voicing places the 7th below the 5th, creating a slightly open and spread sound with rich overtones.
• Inter-String Intervals:
  • String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A2): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
  • String 5 (A2) to String 4 (E3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • String 4 (E3) to String 3 (C3): Descending Minor 6th (or Ascending Major 3rd from C3 to E3, a drop of 9 semitones) - a wide jump down in pitch.
  • String 3 (C3) to String 2 (E4): Major 10th (16 semitones) - a very large ascending interval, spanning an octave and a major third.
  • String 2 (E4) to String 1 (F4): Minor 2nd (1 semitone) - a very tight and expressive interval.
• Chords Within Reach: Beyond the open Fmaj7, easily achievable chords include inversions of Fmaj7. By understanding the open intervals, simple fingerings can create related chords like Fmaj9 (by adding a G note, potentially by fretting string 1 at the 3rd fret, or string 6 at the 3rd fret if it were a G). The open F-A on the bottom two strings forms a natural major third, enabling easy power chords or root-fifth-octave shapes on these strings. Barre chords across these open notes will produce different major 7th qualities shifted up the neck.

How to Tune Your Guitar to FAECEF (Fmaj7)

To achieve this rich FAECEF (Fmaj7) tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these instructions carefully. Pay close attention to the specified semitone movements for each string.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D3 to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones from G3 to C3. Warning: This is a significant drop in pitch (-7 semitones). If you frequently use this tuning, a heavier gauge string for this position is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 5 semitones from B3 to E4. Warning: This is a substantial increase in pitch (+5 semitones). Consider a lighter gauge string for this position to prevent excessive string tension or breakage.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E4 to F4.

General Tuning Advice: For strings requiring a tuning change of more than 4 semitones (either up or down), it is generally recommended to use a different string gauge to ensure proper string tension, intonation, and to prevent potential damage to your guitar or strings. Always tune carefully and check intonation after significant changes.

String 6 (low E): Tuned to F2
String 5 (A): Tuned to A2
String 4 (D): Tuned to E3
String 3 (G): Tuned to C3
String 2 (B): Tuned to E4
String 1 (high E): Tuned to F4