This unique "Mirror Tuning® F1-F4" is one of seven variations pioneered by Senchant in 2015, specifically designed for 27-inch baritone guitars. It offers a truly distinctive sonic landscape, pushing the boundaries of conventional guitar voicings. More information can be found at senchant.com/mirror-tuning/.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F1-C2-G#3-D#4-A#4-F4. This results in a fascinating combination of intervals and an unusually wide range:

• The lowest two strings (F1 and C2) establish a perfect fifth.
• The tuning features significant octave jumps between strings 5 and 4 (C2 to G#3) and strings 4 and 3 (G#3 to D#4), creating a non-linear ascent in pitch, which is characteristic of the Mirror Tuning concept.
• The notes F, C, G#, D#, A#, F (equivalent to F, C, Ab, Eb, Bb, F) together create a rich, complex harmonic texture. When considered as an F root, these notes collectively form an F minor 11 chord voicing (F-Ab-C-Eb-Bb), with an additional F an octave higher on the first string. This suggests a deep, moody, and potentially cinematic sonic palette, ideal for experimental music, heavy genres, or ambient soundscapes where a strong low-end presence and dense harmony are desired.
• The presence of perfect fifths (F-C and D#-A#) and the overall F minor 11 tonality provides a coherent, albeit unconventional, harmonic foundation for this wide-ranging baritone tuning.

Open Chords and Playability

Due to the extreme pitch differences and large intervals, traditional open major or minor chords are not immediately apparent. However, the tuning lends itself exceptionally well to:

• F Minor 11 Voicings: Strumming all open strings will yield a powerful F minor 11 sound, suitable for atmospheric pads, heavy, dissonant riffs, or expansive chord voicings.
• Drones and Pedals: The exceptionally low F1 provides an excellent root for drones, allowing other notes to build tension and release over a solid foundation.
• Melodic Exploration: The specific arrangement of notes F-C-Ab-Eb-Bb-F can be explored melodically, creating unique lines and arpeggios that highlight the F minor pentatonic scale with a natural minor flavor and extended harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune

To achieve the Mirror Tuning® F1-F4, you will be adjusting from standard EADGBe tuning. Given this is for a 27-inch baritone guitar, appropriate string gauges are highly recommended to ensure proper tension and intonation. Please observe the following string movements carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 11 semitones to F1. (Note: Tuning down this significantly means a much heavier gauge string is essential to maintain proper tension, prevent buzzing, and achieve clear tone.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 9 semitones to C2. (Note: A much heavier gauge string is essential for this substantial drop in pitch.)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 6 semitones to G#3. (Note: A heavier gauge string is highly recommended for this significant drop.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; using a slightly heavier gauge string or exercising extra caution is advised to prevent the string from becoming too slack.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

It's crucial to adjust tuning slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage, especially when tuning up, or to prevent strings from becoming overly slack when tuning down significantly. Proper string gauge for a baritone scale is key to enjoying this tuning.

String 6: F1

String 5: C2

String 4: G#3

String 3: D#4

String 2: A#4

String 1: F4