Tuning Analysis: Ichika Nito Smells Like Teen Spirit

This distinctive tuning, named "Ichika Nito smells like teen spirit" after its creator's famous cover, is a prime example of how a guitar can be re-imagined for intricate fingerstyle and complex harmonic voicings. It significantly deviates from standard tuning, offering a unique sonic landscape.

Technical Breakdown

The open strings are tuned to F2-A3#-D4#-G3-G4#-D5# (from lowest to highest string). Let's break down the intervals, which reveal a fascinating blend of familiar and highly unusual relationships:

• String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A3#): A perfect fourth.
• String 5 (A3#) to String 4 (D4#): Another perfect fourth. These low three strings provide a solid, familiar foundation of perfect fourths, reminiscent of the lower register of standard EADG tuning.
• String 4 (D4#) to String 3 (G3): An augmented fourth (tritone). This interval is a significant departure, introducing a distinctive tension and harmonic ambiguity often explored in advanced jazz and fusion.
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (G4#): A minor second. This is an extremely close and inherently dissonant interval when played simultaneously. It's a hallmark of Ichika Nito's experimental style, suggesting a deliberate use for percussive effects, specific melodic lines where one note is chosen over the other, or a unique textural clang.
• String 2 (G4#) to String 1 (D5#): A perfect fifth. This provides a clear, ringing top voice, allowing for bright melodies and arpeggios.

Harmonic & Chordal Possibilities

When strummed open, the notes F, A#, D#, G, G#, D# (or enharmonically F, Bb, Eb, G, Ab, Eb) create a highly sophisticated and dense harmony. This collection of notes points towards an F minor 7 chord (F-Ab-Eb) with significant extensions: the 9th (G) and 11th (Bb). The resulting sound is an Fmin9(add11) or Fmin7(add9,11) voicing, offering a rich, modern, and jazzy tonality.

However, the minor second interval between G3 and G4# on the 3rd and 2nd strings will produce a notable dissonance when played openly together. This suggests that the tuning is likely intended for:

• Complex Fingerstyle: Facilitating intricate arpeggios, melodic lines, and tapped harmonics where specific notes are emphasized or muted.
• Unique Chord Voicings: The non-standard intervals unlock new chord shapes and harmonic clusters unavailable in conventional tunings.
• Targeted Dissonance: The G-G# interval might be used for specific percussive hits or as a brief, intentional clash resolving into another chord.
• F-centric Tonality: The overall harmonic landscape leans towards F minor, F Dorian, or F Phrygian dominant-like scales, providing a specific expressive palette.

This tuning is an adventure for advanced players looking to break free from traditional guitar sounds and explore the unique musical language pioneered by Ichika Nito.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Ichika Nito smells like teen spirit" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string movements:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A3#.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D4#.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G4#.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D5#.

Important Note: All specified string movements are within generally safe limits (less than 4 semitones up or down) for standard gauge strings. However, always proceed with caution and be mindful of your guitar's tension when tuning, especially when tuning strings up. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider having your guitar professionally set up for optimal playability.