The F Partial Standard Tuning is a unique and practical approach for guitarists looking to shift their instrument's lower register up a half-step without compromising the integrity or playability of the higher strings. As its original description suggests, it's designed for those who desire the sonic lift of a half-step higher tuning but want to avoid the risk of snapping the thinner high E and B strings, or simply prefer to keep those strings at their familiar standard pitches for comfort and versatility.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar to the notes F2 A#3 D#4 G#4 B3 E4, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string. When compared to a typical standard EADGBe tuning:

• The four lowest strings (6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd) are all tuned up by one semitone from their expected standard pitches.
• The two highest strings (2nd and 1st) remain at their standard pitches (B3 and E4 respectively).

The most striking aspect of this tuning is its hybrid nature. It offers a brighter, slightly higher register for rhythm and bass lines played on the lower strings, while preserving the familiar melodic and harmonic possibilities of standard tuning on the upper two strings. This makes it particularly useful for vocalists who might find standard pitch slightly too low, or for specific musical pieces that benefit from the shifted lower register without requiring a full instrument re-string for higher tension. This essentially acts like a capo on the first fret for the lower four strings, while the top two strings are left open.

Chords and Playability

Because the two highest strings remain in standard tuning, guitarists will find that familiar chord shapes and scales utilizing only the B and E strings (e.g., higher register arpeggios, melodic runs) will sound exactly as they would in standard tuning. However, chords and riffs that incorporate the lower four strings will be transposed up a half-step.

For instance, an open E power chord (E5) played on the low E and A strings in standard tuning would typically be E2-A2. In this tuning, playing that same shape on the 6th and 5th strings will result in an F2-A#3 (F5) power chord. Open chords that involve all six strings will produce unique voicings due to the mixed tuning. For example, a standard open E major chord shape (022100) played in this tuning would produce the notes F-B-E-G#-B-E, creating a complex and potentially dissonant chord unless specifically intended for its unique harmonic color. This tuning is most effective for shifting the overall pitch of songs up a half step, allowing the guitarist to maintain familiar fretboard patterns on the top two strings for melodic playing or solos, while the foundational rhythm shifts up in pitch.

How to Tune

To achieve the F Partial Standard Tuning (F2 A#3 D#4 G#4 B3 E4), adjust your strings according to the following movements. These movements are relative to the implied starting notes that lead to the final tuning, as indicated by the target notes and semitone shifts. Always tune carefully and gradually. None of these string movements (all are 0 or +1 semitone) are significant enough to warrant a different string gauge.

• String 6 (Low E): Starting from E2, tune up 1 semitone to F2.
• String 5 (A): Starting from A3, tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Starting from D4, tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3 (G): Starting from G4, tune up 1 semitone to G#4.
• String 2 (B): Starting from B3, keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Starting from E4, keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

String 6: F2 (Low F)

String 5: A#3 (A sharp)

String 4: D#4 (D sharp)

String 3: G#4 (G sharp)

String 2: B3 (B)

String 1: E4 (High E)