Tuning Analysis: Nick Drake's Fadd11 (Capo 5)

This captivating tuning is a unique adaptation, originating from the signature sound of Nick Drake. It takes his classic CGCFCE tuning and elevates it significantly by applying a capo at the 5th fret. The result is a vibrant, high-pitched sonic landscape that evokes a bright, ringing, and sometimes melancholic atmosphere, characteristic of Drake's distinctive style. The higher register of the strings, combined with the open chord, creates a rich resonance, ideal for intricate fingerpicking and open-string melodic work.

Technical Breakdown

• Open Notes: When tuned as specified and with the capo on the 5th fret, the open strings effectively produce the notes F2 C3 F3 A#3 F4 A4 (from low E string to high E string).
• Chord Voicing: Strumming the open strings yields a full and resonant Fadd11 chord. This voicing consists of the root (F) on strings 6, 4, and 2, the perfect 5th (C) on string 5, the perfect 4th/11th (A# / B-flat) on string 3, and the major 3rd (A) on string 1. The multiple octaves of F and the prominent 5th (C) provide a solid harmonic foundation, while the presence of both the major 3rd and perfect 4th/11th adds a rich, complex color.
• Intervals & Resonance: The open intervals are carefully chosen to create a resonant and sympathetic sound. Notable intervals include perfect 5ths (F2-C3, A#3-F4), perfect 4ths (C3-F3, F3-A#3), and a major 3rd (F4-A4). This structure encourages drone-like playing and allows for lush harmonic textures to emerge with minimal effort.
• Chord Possibilities: The open Fadd11 serves as a powerful starting point. Simple fretboard movements can unlock a range of related chords. For example, barring across the 1st fret (relative to the capo) would create a Gadd11, and barring the 3rd fret would yield an Aadd11. The multiple Fs and the C provide excellent drone possibilities, making this tuning versatile for modal explorations and creating sustained atmospheric sounds.
• Overall Feel: The combined effect of tuning all strings up and applying a capo at the 5th fret results in significantly increased string tension and a higher overall pitch, contributing to its bright, shimmering, and articulate character.

How to Tune (From Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Nick Drake's Fadd11 (Capo 5) tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe as follows. Please exercise caution, especially with significant upward tuning adjustments, and consider lighter gauge strings for the highly tensioned strings.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones from D3 to F3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 3 semitones from G3 to A#3 (A-sharp 3). Please note: The JSON's tuning_notes originally listed this as A#4; however, based on the specified movement of +3 semitones from G3, the correct target note is A#3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 6 semitones from B3 to F4. Caution: Tuning up 6 semitones (a perfect 4th) is a substantial increase in tension. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string for this position to prevent string breakage and potential damage to your guitar.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 5 semitones from E4 to A4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones (a perfect 4th) is a significant increase in tension. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this string to avoid breakage and maintain guitar integrity.

Always tune slowly and check your intonation. Due to the significant upward tuning for several strings, regular checks for neck relief and string height are recommended.

String 6 (Low E): From standard E2, tune up 1 semitone to F2.

String 5 (A): From standard A2, tune up 3 semitones to C3.

String 4 (D): From standard D3, tune up 3 semitones to F3.

String 3 (G): From standard G3, tune up 3 semitones to A#3 (A-sharp 3).

String 2 (B): From standard B3, tune up 6 semitones to F4.

String 1 (High E): From standard E4, tune up 5 semitones to A4.