Verbal Analysis

This intriguing tuning, aptly named "F Augmented Drop," offers a unique sonic landscape, feeling like a powerful, elevated take on a drop tuning. As its original description suggests, "think of this like Drop D but higher." The low three strings are tuned to F-C-F, creating a foundational F power chord that delivers immense depth and resonance, perfect for heavy riffs, drone effects, and commanding bass lines. This strong foundation gives the tuning a driving, robust character.

However, the real twist comes with the G# on the third string. This raised note introduces an unexpected, slightly dissonant or "darker" harmonic texture, adding a sense of tension or mystery. It can evoke moods ranging from progressive rock and metal to more experimental and even bluesy styles. The genius of this tuning is that the high B and E strings remain in standard tuning, providing familiar territory for lead lines, melodies, and higher-register chord voicings, effectively bridging the gap between the radical lower register and conventional guitar playing. This blend allows for both aggressive, low-end power and melodic versatility.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: F2 C3 F3 G#3 B3 E4.

• The lowest three strings (F2, C3, F3) form a strong F5 power chord (Root-Fifth-Root), providing a solid and resonant foundation.
• The interval between the 4th (F3) and 3rd (G#3) strings is an Augmented 2nd (or minor 3rd), which is quite unusual for open strings and contributes significantly to the tuning's unique flavor.
• The interval between the 3rd (G#3) and 2nd (B3) strings is a minor 3rd.
• The interval between the 2nd (B3) and 1st (E4) strings is a perfect 4th, which is standard.

Open Chords & Voicings

• F5 Power Chord (F-C-F): Played across the low E, A, and D strings, this is the most prominent open chord, ideal for heavy, driving riffs.
• G# Minor Triad (G#3-B3-E4): While not a full open chord, the top three strings (G#, B, E) form the notes of a G# minor triad, albeit with the E being the minor 6th of G# (or E major in 2nd inversion).
• Combining the F-C-F with the G# B E creates a complex harmony. It hints at an F major type sound with a raised 3rd (G# vs A), but the G# and B create a unique dissonance against the F-C-F, lending itself to darker or more experimental sounds.

Reachable Chords & Shapes

• Movable Power Chords: The F-C-F structure on the lowest three strings makes it incredibly easy to play movable power chords simply by barring across these strings. For example, barring all three at the 1st fret gives an F#5, at the 3rd fret a G#5, and so on.
• Familiar Top String Shapes: Since the B and high E strings remain in standard tuning, you can easily incorporate many familiar chord shapes and lead lines on these strings without having to relearn them.
• Unique Barred Chords: Barring all six strings at any fret will create powerful, rich chords that retain the F5 power chord feel on the bottom, with the higher strings adding harmonic complexity. For instance, barring at the 1st fret (Fret 1, Fret 1, Fret 1, Fret 1, Fret 1, Fret 1) gives F# C# F# A C F#, which is a dense F# power chord with interesting extensions.
• Experimentation is key with the G#3. It allows for creative melodic lines and chord voicings that would be impossible in standard tuning, particularly in conjunction with the open F-C-F.

How to Tune: F Augmented Drop

To achieve the "F Augmented Drop" tuning, you'll need to adjust your guitar strings as follows. Please exercise caution, especially when tuning strings up by more than 3 semitones. If a string movement exceeds 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge might be advisable to prevent breakage or excessive tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. This is a minor adjustment.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3. This is a significant upward adjustment; proceed with care.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones from D3 to F3. Similar to String 5, this is a substantial upward adjustment; proceed with care.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 1 semitone from G3 to G#3. A minor adjustment, proceed carefully.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.