Description of F Enigma Tuning

The "F Enigma" tuning presents a truly unique and exploratory landscape for guitarists. Moving significantly away from standard EADGBe, this tuning features a deep F as its lowest note, setting a resonant foundation. The overall character is open and complex, inviting players to discover new harmonic textures and sonorities. Its non-standard intervals create a sound that can range from ethereal and shimmering to subtly tense and intriguing, making it ideal for experimental music, jazz, or creating distinctive ambient soundscapes. The tuning's name reflects the intriguing harmonic possibilities and the journey of discovery it offers.

Technical Analysis

The notes of the "F Enigma" tuning are F2-G2-A3-B3-C4-E4, from the lowest to the highest string. This creates a rich, extended open chord when all strings are strummed together. Specifically, the open strings form an Fmaj9#11 chord (F-A-C-E-G-B), featuring the root, major third, perfect fifth, major seventh, major ninth, and augmented eleventh. This sophisticated voicing, typically found in jazz and fusion, becomes instantly accessible, suggesting that complex harmonies can be achieved with surprisingly simple fingerings. The presence of closely spaced notes like A3, B3, and C4 on the middle strings allows for tight, clustered voicings and expressive dissonances, fostering a creative approach to melodic and harmonic development.

However, this tuning involves significant changes from standard E Standard, particularly on the middle strings. Players should exercise caution:

• The 4th string (normally D) is tuned up 7 semitones to A3.
• The 3rd string (normally G) is tuned up 4 semitones to B3.

These substantial upward movements in pitch for the 4th and 3rd strings can place considerable tension on your guitar's neck and bridge. It is highly recommended to consider using lighter gauge strings for these positions to prevent potential damage and ensure comfortable playability. Always monitor your guitar for any signs of stress when using such high-tension tunings.

How to Tune

To achieve the "F Enigma" tuning from standard E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully:

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• String 5 (A string): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D string): Tune up 7 semitones from D3 to A3. Caution: This is a significant upward movement (exceeds 4 semitones). Consider a lighter gauge string to avoid potential damage.
• String 3 (G string): Tune up 4 semitones from G3 to B3. Caution: This is a significant upward movement (4 semitones). Consider a lighter gauge string to avoid potential damage.
• String 2 (B string): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• String 1 (High E string): Keep as is; no change from E4.

Open String Notes

When tuned, your guitar's open strings will sound as follows:

• String 6 (Lowest): F2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: A3
• String 3: B3
• String 2: C4
• String 1 (Highest): E4