Tuning Analysis: Ascension Descension

This unique tuning for the Guitar, aptly named "Ascension Descension" (drawing inspiration from its varied string movements), presents a fascinating sonic landscape. Internally referred to as "Maybe...2" with the description "Maybe this second variation is cool," it indeed offers a distinctive and resonant character that deviates significantly from standard EADGBe tuning.

Verbal Analysis

"Ascension Descension" is an open and ambient tuning. The low F-G-A spread across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings creates a rich, sustained drone or modal base, reminiscent of folk or ancient music. This wide interval spread in the bass contrasts beautifully with the higher strings, where the E3-C4-E4 creates a bright, ringing quality. Strumming all open strings yields an immersive Fmaj9 chord (F-G-A-C-E), providing a sophisticated, ethereal, and slightly melancholic sound. This suggests a tuning well-suited for intricate fingerstyle, atmospheric soundscapes, or compositions that lean into its inherent harmonic richness.

Due to the significant alterations, familiar chord shapes will need to be re-learned or adapted, opening up new creative pathways. The open strings themselves present a powerful chordal foundation. The high strings (E4, C4, E3) already contain notes of an open C major triad (C-E-E), which means open C major and A minor shapes will be readily accessible in the upper register. The F-G-A in the bass provides strong tonal centers, making modal playing, especially around F, G, or A, very intuitive. The unique interval between the 4th (A2) and 3rd (E3) strings (a perfect fourth) is familiar from standard tuning (D-G), offering a potential anchor for adapting existing chord voicings.

Technical Analysis

The tuning's structure is F2-G2-A2-E3-C4-E4 (from low to high string). Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, this involves a combination of both upward and downward adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tuned up 1 semitone to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tuned down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tuned down a substantial 5 semitones to A2.
• 3rd String (G): Tuned down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tuned up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Remains at E4, unchanged.

The open string intervals, from low to high, are: a Major 2nd (F2-G2), a Major 2nd (G2-A2), a Perfect 4th (A2-E3), a Major 6th (E3-C4), and a Major 3rd (C4-E4). This eclectic mix of intervals creates a rich harmonic canvas. The presence of the open Fmaj9 chord means that many complex voicings are available simply by strumming or arpeggiating the open strings.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Ascension Descension" tuning for your guitar from standard EADGBe, carefully follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune the 6th string UP 1 semitone to F2. (Original fret_text: Tune up 1 semitones)
• 5th String (A): Tune the 5th string DOWN 2 semitones to G2. (Original fret_text: Tune down 2 semitones)
• 4th String (D): Tune the 4th string DOWN 5 semitones to A2. Caution: This is a significant drop. A different gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension, prevent string buzz, and ensure good intonation. (Original fret_text: Tune down 5 semitones)
• 3rd String (G): Tune the 3rd string DOWN 3 semitones to E3. (Original fret_text: Tune down 3 semitones)
• 2nd String (B): Tune the 2nd string UP 1 semitone to C4. (Original fret_text: Tune up 1 semitones)
• 1st String (High E): Keep the 1st string as is; no change, remaining E4. (Original fret_text: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones))

Always exercise care when adjusting string tension. Minor adjustments (typically within 1-2 semitones up or down) are generally safe. However, significant changes (exceeding 4 semitones up or down, as noted with the 4th string) may require a different string gauge to ensure guitar health, optimal playability, and prevent potential damage or intonation issues.

The tuning for your instrument is as follows (low to high):

• 6th String: F2
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: A2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: E4