Tuning Overview: Orchestral Fifths Guitar Tuning

This is a truly unique and experimental tuning, as described by its creator: "Mainly is a cello and a mandolin.... I play violin....VERY EXCITING EXPERIMENT". It fundamentally re-imagines the guitar fretboard, drawing inspiration from orchestral string instruments like the cello and violin, as well as the mandolin, all of which are famously tuned in perfect fifths.

Technical Analysis

The "Orchestral Fifths Guitar Tuning" sets the strings to the notes F2 C2 G2 D3 A3 E4 (from thickest to thinnest). Let's examine the intervals between adjacent strings:

• 6th String (F2) to 5th String (C2): A Perfect 4th Up (or Perfect 5th Down).
• 5th String (C2) to 4th String (G2): A Perfect 5th Up.
• 4th String (G2) to 3rd String (D3): A Perfect 5th Up.
• 3rd String (D3) to 2nd String (A3): A Perfect 5th Up.
• 2nd String (A3) to 1st String (E4): A Perfect 5th Up.

This tuning primarily features perfect fifths between the top five strings, similar to a violin (G-D-A-E) or cello (C-G-D-A) shifted down and extended, with the lowest two strings forming a perfect fourth (F-C). This structure significantly alters chord shapes and scale patterns compared to standard tuning, opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities, particularly for players familiar with orchestral string instruments.

Open Chords and Voicings

Due to the largely perfect fifths structure, power chords (root-fifth) become easily accessible across adjacent strings. Complex triads and seventh chords will require new fingerings, but the open strings themselves offer interesting voicings:

• Open F Major: F2 (6th string), C2 (5th string), A3 (2nd string). This provides a strong, low F major triad.
• Open C Major: C2 (5th string), G2 (4th string), E4 (1st string).
• Open G Major: G2 (4th string), D3 (3rd string). A complete G Major can be formed by adding a G on the 5th string at the 5th fret.

The wide intervals between some of the lower strings (F2 to C2 being a P4/P5) and the consistent P5s higher up make for very resonant open string combinations. Arpeggios across strings will sound different, potentially leading to more open and ringing tones.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Orchestral Fifths Guitar Tuning" from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these precise adjustments. Please exercise caution, especially with large tuning changes, as string tension can be significantly affected. For changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, we strongly advise considering a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and prevent string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. (This is a minor adjustment and should be safe.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 9 semitones from A2 to C2. Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for this string to maintain proper tension and tone.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 7 semitones from D3 to G2. Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for this string.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for this string.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3. (This is a moderate adjustment and should be safe.)
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

6th String (Lowest): F2

5th String: C2

4th String: G2

3rd String: D3

2nd String: A3

1st String (Highest): E4