The "Charlie Hunter Hybrid 6-String Tuning" is a distinctive and highly specialized setup famously used by the jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter. As described by Hunter himself on Instagram, this tuning transforms a standard 6-string guitar into a versatile "hybrid" instrument, allowing him to simultaneously play bass lines and chordal or melodic parts. It's a hallmark of his unique style, enabling a single musician to cover the roles of a bassist and a guitarist/pianist.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a rich, complex, and deeply resonant sound, immediately evoking a sophisticated jazz and funk aesthetic. The wide range, particularly the deep F2 on the 6th string, provides a powerful bass foundation that is typically reserved for a dedicated bass guitar. This allows for intricate walking bass lines to be played alongside lush, extended chords and melodic improvisations on the higher strings. It's perfect for a player looking to create a full, multi-instrumental sound from a single guitar. The close voicings and consistent intervals on the upper strings facilitate smooth chord progressions and lead lines, making it a dream for fingerstyle players aiming for rich harmonic textures and counterpoint.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: F2, A#3, D#4, A#4, D#5, G#5.

• The intervals between strings are exceptionally wide on the lower end, with the 6th string (F2) to the 5th string (A#3) spanning a Major 10th (or a Major 3rd plus an octave, 17 semitones).
• The higher strings feature a pattern of perfect 4ths and a perfect 5th: S5 (A#3) to S4 (D#4) is a Perfect 4th (5 semitones), S4 (D#4) to S3 (A#4) is a Perfect 5th (7 semitones), S3 (A#4) to S2 (D#5) is a Perfect 4th (5 semitones), and S2 (D#5) to S1 (G#5) is also a Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• When strummed open, the full tuning (F2, A#3, D#4, A#4, D#5, G#5) forms a dense, jazzy chord. Interpreting A# as Bb, D# as Eb, and G# as Ab, the unique notes are F, Bb, Eb, Ab. This effectively creates an F minor 11 chord (without the 5th and 9th).
• Focusing on the higher five strings (A#3, D#4, A#4, D#5, G#5), the notes Bb, Eb, Bb, Eb, Ab combine to form a clear Abmaj7 chord over a Bb bass, or alternatively, a Bb7sus4 chord (Bb, Eb, Ab) with octaves. This harmonic richness provides a fantastic platform for jazz and funk.
• Due to the strategic placement of perfect 4ths and 5ths, many chord shapes will be easily movable across the fretboard, allowing for consistent voicings and melodic patterns. Chords centered around F minor, Bb7sus4, and Ab major will be particularly accessible and resonant.

How to Tune

To achieve Charlie Hunter's Hybrid 6-String Tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone from A to A#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone from D to D#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 3 semitones from G to A#4. Exercise caution when tuning up 3 semitones.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 4 semitones from B to D#5. This is a significant increase in tension. A different string gauge is advised to prevent potential string breakage or neck issues.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 4 semitones from E to G#5. This is a significant increase in tension. A different string gauge is advised to prevent potential string breakage or neck issues.

Given the substantial upward tuning on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings, it's highly recommended to consult a luthier if you plan to use this tuning frequently, or to use lighter gauge strings for the lower notes and heavier gauges for the higher notes that are tuned up, to help balance string tension and protect your instrument.