This tuning, specifically named after Hot Mulligan's "You'll Be Fine" album, is a quintessential example of the distinct "Midwest emo" or "twinkly emo" guitar sound. It is explicitly designed to be played with a capo on the 3rd fret, as the provided tuning notes reflect the actual sounding pitches at that capo position. This high capo placement significantly brightens the overall timbre and shortens the effective string length, contributing to the characteristic bright and resonant, almost chime-like quality integral to the genre.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning, from the lowest string to the highest, are F2 C3 D♯4 A♯4 D♯5 G4. This creates a rich, complex, and highly resonant open chord. When analyzed from the lowest F as the root, the intervals are:

• String 6 (F2): The root.
• String 5 (C3): A perfect 5th above the root F.
• String 4 (D♯4 / Eb4): A minor 7th above the root F.
• String 3 (A♯4 / Bb4): A perfect 4th above the Eb4, or a perfect 11th above the root F.
• String 2 (D♯5 / Eb5): An octave above the D♯4 on the 4th string.
• String 1 (G4): A major 2nd (or 9th) above the root F.

This combination effectively forms an F minor 7 (add 9, add 11) chord. The unique stacking of intervals, including the doubled minor 7th (Eb) across octaves and the presence of both the 9th (G) and 11th (Bb), provides a dense harmonic foundation. This allows for both melancholic minor passages and bright, arpeggiated melodies with ringing, sustained overtones typical of the genre. Players will find that traditional chord shapes will need to be re-imagined, but this opens up a world of unique voicings and melodic opportunities particularly suited for intricate fingerstyle or rhythmic strumming within the emo soundscape.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please always tune up gradually and with extreme care, especially for larger semitone movements. If any string requires tuning up by more than 4 semitones, it is generally advised to consider using a lighter gauge string for that position to prevent excessive tension on the string and the guitar's neck. Consulting a professional guitar technician is recommended if you have concerns about string tension or guitar setup.

• String 6 (Low E to F2): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 5 (A to C3): Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 4 (D to D♯4): Tune up 1 semitone.
• String 3 (G to A♯4): Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B to D♯5): Tune up 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning up by four semitones places significant additional tension on the string. A lighter gauge string for this position may be advisable to avoid potential string breakage or neck stress.
• String 1 (High E to G4): Tune up 3 semitones.