Tuning Analysis: FAFGEE

The 'FAFGEE' tuning for Guitar is an intriguing and unique configuration that deviates significantly from standard tuning, offering a rich palette for exploration. While the tuning name itself is descriptive of the open strings, its sonic character is much more complex than a simple major or minor chord.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning presents a distinctive, open, and somewhat dissonant sound, ideal for players looking to break away from conventional harmonies. The presence of F, A, F on the lower three strings immediately suggests an F Major triad, lending a solid, foundational resonance. However, the subsequent G, E, E on the higher strings introduce intriguing color tones. The G provides a suspended or add9 quality to the F Major framework, while the two E notes (a Major 7th above F) create a bright, almost yearning tension. It has an atmospheric quality, perhaps suitable for ambient music, folk, or experimental rock, where conventional chord voicings are less desired.

Played open, the FAFGEE tuning doesn't resolve neatly into a common chord, encouraging a more melodic or droning approach. Its unique intervals can inspire new melodic patterns and chord shapes that are difficult or impossible to achieve in standard tuning. The open strings can create rich, resonant drones that underpin melodic lines played higher up the fretboard.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are F2-A2-F3-G3-E4-E4 from the lowest to highest string. Let's break down the intervals relative to the lowest F (F2):

• 6th String (F2): Root
• 5th String (A2): Major 3rd (above F2)
• 4th String (F3): Octave (above F2)
• 3rd String (G3): Major 2nd (above F2) / Minor 2nd (above A2)
• 2nd String (E4): Major 7th (above F2) / Major 6th (above G3)
• 1st String (E4): Unison with 2nd String

When played open, the combined notes F-A-F-G-E-E form a complex chord, most accurately described as an Fmaj7(add9) or an F Major chord with an added 9th (G) and Major 7th (E). The doubled F and E notes add density and sustain.

Chordal Exploration

Due to the open tuning, several interesting chordal possibilities emerge:

• Open F Major Voicings: The F-A-F on the lower strings provides a strong F Major foundation. By fretting other strings in harmony, you can easily create F Major, Fsus4, or Fadd9 chords.
• Drone Possibilities: The open F2 and A2 on the low strings, combined with the higher E4s, create a persistent drone that can be used to anchor melodies.
• Unique Major 7th Sounds: The presence of the Major 7th (E) in relation to the F root allows for rich Fmaj7 or Fmaj9 harmonies without complex fingerings.
• Harmonies with G: The G on the 3rd string interacts uniquely with the surrounding F and E strings, enabling chords with suspended or altered qualities. For instance, fretting a C on the 5th string (A string) and keeping the others open (F C F G E E) would yield a complex C-based chord with F and G extensions.
• Barre Chords: Barring across all strings at the first fret would yield an F#maj7(add9) sound, or moving up the neck, you can transpose the open tuning's inherent chord quality, creating unique and full-sounding chord voicings across the fretboard.

Open String Notes & How to Tune

To achieve the 'FAFGEE' tuning, you will adjust your strings from standard EADGBe tuning as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 3 semitones from D3 to F3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones from B3 to E4. Please exercise caution when tuning up 5 semitones, as this is a significant tension increase. For sustained use, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to prevent breakage and neck damage.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.