Tuning Analysis: Moya / Roger (F, A#, F, A#, C#, F)

This unique tuning, known as Moya / Roger, is described as being discovered "eyes and ears, also by watching on live performances" – a testament to its organic and performance-driven origin. It offers a distinctive harmonic landscape, moving far beyond standard guitar voicings.

Technical & Verbal Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F2, A#3, F2, A#3, C#4, F4. When translated to common musical terms, this is F, Bb, F, Bb, C#, F. This configuration presents a fascinating harmonic blend:

• The fundamental note is F, strongly reinforced by the low F2, mid F2, and high F4 strings, creating a robust F drone.
• The presence of A#3 (Bb3) on the 5th and 3rd strings establishes a perfect 4th interval from the root F (F to Bb). This creates a suspended quality.
• The C#4 on the 2nd string introduces an augmented 5th interval from F (F to C#). This note adds a significant amount of tension and a somewhat exotic, 'spicy' flavor to the tuning, moving it away from conventional major or minor tonalities.

When strummed open, this tuning produces an F suspended 4th with an augmented 5th chord (Fsus4#5) (F-Bb-C#-F). This is not a common chord, suggesting the tuning is designed for specific melodic or textural purposes rather than standard chord progressions. It will likely sound resonant and open, but with a distinct, slightly dissonant or unresolved character due to the augmented 5th and suspended 4th. This makes it ideal for experimental music, soundscapes, or styles that explore non-Western harmonies. Standard major or minor chord shapes will not translate directly, encouraging players to discover new voicings and melodic patterns inherent to this unique setup. Simple barre chords or single-finger movements across specific frets could yield interesting parallel harmonies and drones.

How to Tune

To achieve the Moya / Roger tuning, adjust your strings as follows:

• 6th String (Low F2): Tune up 1 semitone.
• 5th String (A#3): Tune up 1 semitone.
• 4th String (F2): Tune down 9 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 9 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and string tension, and to prevent potential damage.
• 3rd String (A#3): Tune down 9 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 9 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and string tension, and to prevent potential damage.
• 2nd String (C#4): Tune down 10 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 10 semitones is a very drastic change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper playability, intonation, and to avoid string breakage or neck issues.
• 1st String (High F4): Tune up 1 semitone.

Important Note on String Gauges: For changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it's generally recommended to adjust your string gauge. Heavier gauges are better for significantly lower tunings to maintain tension, while lighter gauges are preferred for significantly higher tunings to prevent excessive tension and potential string breakage.

The Moya / Roger tuning sets the guitar strings as follows (from low E to high E):

• 6th String: F2
• 5th String: A#3
• 4th String: F2
• 3rd String: A#3
• 2nd String: C#4
• 1st String: F4