Verbal Analysis

This unique "Open F" tuning for guitar, famously associated with "midwest emo" artists like American Football, offers a distinct and atmospheric sound palette. Unlike traditional open tunings that typically present a straightforward major or minor chord, this "Open F" tuning crafts a more complex, suspended, and extended tonality. It lends itself well to ringing, arpeggiated figures and intricate melodic lines, characteristic of the genre it's known for. The blend of low F and G with the higher C-G-C-E creates a rich, resonant sound that feels both open and harmonically sophisticated, encouraging exploration beyond standard chord shapes and opening up new melodic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string, are F2 G2 C3 G3 C4 E4. Analyzing the intervallic structure of the open strings reveals a sophisticated harmonic landscape:

• 6th String (F2): The root, establishing F as the tonal center.
• 5th String (G2): A major 2nd (or 9th) above F.
• 4th String (C3): A perfect 4th (or 11th) above F. Notably, this forms a perfect 5th with the G2 on the 5th string (G-C).
• 3rd String (G3): An octave above G2, reinforcing the 9th. This is also a perfect 5th above C3 on the 4th string.
• 2nd String (C4): An octave above C3, reinforcing the 4th/11th. This is a perfect 4th above G3.
• 1st String (E4): A major 7th above F. This also forms a major 3rd with C4 on the 2nd string (C-E).

When strummed open, the combination of F, G, C, and E results in an Fadd9sus4 chord (F-G-C-E). This means it's an F chord with an added 9th (G) and a suspended 4th (C), alongside a major 7th (E). The absence of a major or minor 3rd in the root F octave gives it a neutral, often melancholic, or contemplative quality that is highly adaptable to various moods and melodic ideas.

A prominent C major triad (C-E-G) is formed across strings 4, 3, 2, and 1 (C3 G3 C4 E4), allowing for easily accessible C major voicings in the higher register.

Open Chords and Voicings

• Open Strings (Fadd9sus4): Strumming all strings open yields a rich Fadd9sus4 chord, perfect for atmospheric introductions or sustained drone-like sections that resonate with complexity.
• C Major Voicings: The cluster of C3 G3 C4 E4 on the middle and high strings means that chords resembling C major (or Cmaj7) can be easily formed by focusing on these strings, providing a bright counterpoint to the low F and G.
• Barred Chords: Barring all strings at any given fret will produce a consistent chord shape that maintains the unique intervallic relationships of this tuning. For example, barring at the 1st fret yields F#add9sus4, and at the 5th fret, Aadd9sus4, offering harmonic movement up the neck while retaining the tuning's characteristic sound.
• Power Chord Shapes: The perfect fourths and fifths present (like C-G on strings 4-3 and G-C on strings 5-4 or 3-2) allow for quick formation of power chords or suspended chords by focusing on specific string groups, which can be particularly useful for rhythmic playing or for adding percussive elements to your sound.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open F" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B3 to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.

Important Note: Generally, significant changes in string tension (tuning up or down by 4 semitones or more) may require a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Always exercise caution when making large tuning adjustments.

• 6th String (Low E): F2
• 5th String (A): G2
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): C4
• 1st String (High E): E4