Open F6 Tuning: A Rich Sonic Landscape

While playfully dubbed "Stupid Tuning" in its original description, this tuning, which we've named Open F6 Tuning, is anything but. It presents a surprisingly rich, complex, and versatile sonic landscape, especially well-suited for genres like post-rock, math rock, jazz-fusion, or any style where lush harmonies and unique voicings are desired. The open strings immediately ring out with a full, resonant chord, inviting exploration beyond conventional shapes.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are set to F2 C3 D3 A3 C4 F4 from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. When strummed open, these notes form a beautiful and resonant F6 chord.

• The 6th string (F2) establishes the root of the chord.
• The 5th string (C3) provides the perfect 5th, reinforcing the F harmony.
• The 4th string (D3) introduces a major 6th, giving the chord its distinct F6 character.
• The 3rd string (A3) contributes the major 3rd, solidifying the F major tonality.
• The 2nd string (C4) provides another perfect 5th, adding thickness and resonance.
• The 1st string (F4) completes the octave, providing a bright, high-end shimmer.

This arrangement creates a strong harmonic foundation with a clear F major sound, enriched by the D (major 6th). The repeated C and F notes across octaves ensure a powerful, full sound, while the unique placement of the D and A provide opportunities for interesting melodic lines and counterpoints against the open strings.

Chords and Playability

The most immediate chord available is the open F6, which sounds expansive and complete on its own. Due to the consistent intervals (F-C-D-A-C-F), movable chord shapes will need to be re-imagined.

• Open F6: Strumming all strings open yields a beautiful F6 chord (F-A-C-D). This can be used as a rich drone or as the basis for arpeggiated figures.
• Movable F6 Shapes: By barring across any fret, you can easily create movable F6 shapes up and down the neck, giving you quick access to various 6th chords (e.g., G6 at the 2nd fret, A6 at the 4th fret).
• Related Chords: Other chords like D minor 7th (Dm7) can be easily voiced by focusing on the D-F-A-C notes within the tuning. For instance, playing an open D on the 4th string, F on the 6th, A on the 3rd, and C on the 2nd string provides a Dm7 voicing.
• Experimental Voicings: The non-standard arrangement encourages players to experiment, leading to unique melodic and harmonic possibilities characteristic of post-rock and math-rock. Chords can be built using smaller clusters of strings, allowing for dissonances and unexpected consonances.

This tuning invites a fresh approach to the fretboard, making familiar licks sound new and opening doors to innovative harmonic textures.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open F6 Tuning

To achieve this unique tuning, adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe as follows. Always tune carefully and gradually.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone from E4 to F4.

All string movements are within a safe range for standard guitar string gauges. However, always exercise caution when tuning up. Enjoy exploring the new sonic possibilities of Open F6 Tuning!