The "FAEGEE" tuning is described as a "very bright random tuning," and it certainly lives up to that name with its unique and resonant character. This tuning features a striking unison on the two highest strings (E4 and E4), which immediately creates a shimmering, sustained drone effect, adding considerable brightness and sustain to the overall sound. Unlike many standard open tunings, FAEGEE doesn't immediately spell out a common major or minor chord across all open strings, encouraging exploration beyond conventional voicings.

Technically, the open string notes are configured as follows from low to high: F2 - A2 - E3 - G3 - E4 - E4. Let's break down the intervallic relationships between the open strings:

• The lowest two strings, F2 to A2, form a Major 3rd (4 semitones), providing a warm and stable base.
• A2 to E3 creates a Perfect 5th (7 semitones), a strong harmonic interval that adds openness.
• E3 to G3 forms a Minor 3rd (3 semitones), introducing a slightly melancholic or bluesy tension.
• G3 to E4 spans a Major 6th (9 semitones), a wide and expressive jump.
• Finally, E4 to E4 is a perfect Unison, the defining characteristic for its brightness and drone potential.

While the full complement of open strings (F, A, E, G, E, E) doesn't resolve into a single common chord, the arrangement offers interesting harmonic clusters. The E3-G3-E4-E4 combination strongly suggests an E minor sound, with the two high E drones providing exceptional sustain and shimmer. This makes E minor and G major-related chord shapes (e.g., an E minor triad on the D, G, B, and high E strings) easily accessible within the middle and upper registers. The F2 and A2 on the lower strings provide a rich, somewhat modal or suspended foundation beneath this, offering possibilities for an F major, A minor, or even an E Phrygian-tinged sound, depending on the melodic context. Players will likely find this tuning excellent for fingerstyle, atmospheric compositions, or slide guitar, where the ringing drones and unique intervallic relationships can be fully exploited. Due to the wide intervals and the high unison, this tuning will likely sound very full and resonant.

How to Tune Your Guitar to FAEGEE

To achieve the FAEGEE tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), please follow these instructions carefully. Always tune up to a note to avoid slack, and use a reliable tuner.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 5 semitones to E4. Caution: Tuning this string up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension. For optimal playability and to reduce the risk of string breakage, we strongly advise considering a lighter gauge string for this position if you plan to use this tuning frequently.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at E4.

Always be mindful of your guitar's neck and string tension when experimenting with alternative tunings. If you experience any discomfort or visible stress on your instrument, detune immediately.

String 6 (Low E string): F2
String 5 (A string): A2
String 4 (D string): E3
String 3 (G string): G3
String 2 (B string): E4
String 1 (High E string): E4