Tuning Analysis: FA#FACE (PUSHER Dean Blunt Tuning)

This unique tuning, known as FA#FACE, or the PUSHER Dean Blunt Tuning, is an adventurous departure from standard guitar tunings. It’s designed to evoke a distinct sonic landscape, moving away from conventional harmonies to create something more experimental and atmospheric. This tuning is ideal for artists looking to explore ambient textures, drone-based music, or avant-garde sound design, rather than traditional chord progressions.

Verbal Description

When strummed open, the FA#FACE tuning immediately presents a rich, complex, and somewhat dissonant character. The presence of both A natural and A sharp (Bb) in the open strings creates an intriguing tension, suggesting a sound palette that is both dark and expansive. The low F provides a strong, resonant foundation, while the higher strings, with their varied intervals, invite non-traditional melodic and harmonic exploration. It evokes a feeling of brooding intensity, perhaps even industrial soundscapes, perfectly aligning with the 'PUSHER' descriptor, hinting at a driving, immersive sonic experience.

Technical Description

The open string notes for this tuning are: F2-A#3-F3-A3-C4-E4 (from lowest to highest string).

• String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A#3): This is a very wide interval, an octave and a major third (16 semitones). The notation of A#3 for the 5th string is notable, as its movement from standard A is only 1 semitone, indicating a specific placement in the overall voicing relative to other strings.
• String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (F3): An uncommon downward interval of a tritone (6 semitones down), creating an immediate drop in pitch and contributing to the tuning's unique voicing.
• String 4 (F3) to String 3 (A3): A Major Third (4 semitones), providing a familiar harmonic building block.
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (C4): A Minor Third (3 semitones), adding to the rich harmonic possibilities.
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (E4): Another Major Third (4 semitones), completing the upper register.

The combination of F, A#, F, A, C, E creates a unique sonic signature. If conceptualized as an F-centric chord, it contains the root (F), major third (A), perfect fifth (C), and major seventh (E), forming an Fmaj7. However, the prominent A# (B-flat) adds a sharp eleventh (Fmaj7#11) or a highly dissonant clash with the natural A, depending on how it's voiced and played. This suggests an intentional leaning towards microtonal or highly clustered harmonies rather than simple triads.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

Due to its non-standard and dissonant open intervals, FA#FACE is not designed for easy, conventional major or minor chords. Instead, it encourages experimentation:

• Open Strum: The full open tuning (F-A#-F-A-C-E) creates a complex, resonant drone, ideal for atmospheric or textural playing. The simultaneous presence of A# and A natural is key to its unique tension.
• Lower Register Power: Barring the lowest three strings (F2-A#3-F3) at any fret will yield a powerful, root-tritone-root chord, excellent for heavy, droning riffs. For example, at the 1st fret, this would be F#-B-F#.
• Middle Cluster: The F3-A3-C4 section can be isolated to form an F major triad. Similarly, A3-C4-E4 forms an A minor triad. These can be utilized by carefully muting other strings.
• Experimental Voicings: Players will find new and unexpected chord voicings by simply shifting familiar finger shapes across the fretboard. The irregular intervals mean that standard shapes will produce entirely new harmonic results, encouraging a fresh approach to composition.

This tuning emphasizes individual string lines and arpeggiated figures over block chords, rewarding players who are willing to explore its unique sonic geography.

How to Tune

To achieve the FA#FACE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E to F2. This is a minor adjustment.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone from A to A#3. While the target note for the 5th string is indicated as A#3, the specified movement from a standard A string is 1 semitone.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones from D to F3. Exercise caution when tuning up 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G to A3. This is a moderate adjustment.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B to C4. This is a minor adjustment.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains E4.

Important Note: All string movements are within safe limits (none exceeding 4 semitones up or down) for standard string gauges. However, for the string tuned up 3 semitones, always proceed carefully to avoid undue tension or string breakage. Always check your intonation after tuning to ensure optimal playability.

String 6: F2

String 5: A#3

String 4: F3

String 3: A3

String 2: C4

String 1: E4