This unique tuning, known as "Bon Iver: The Wolves Tuning," is specifically designed for the atmospheric and emotive soundscapes found in the song "The Wolves" by Bon Iver. It's a highly resonant and somewhat open tuning that encourages rich harmonic textures and fingerstyle playing, allowing for complex voicings with relative ease.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F2 G2 D3 F3 A3 C4, spanning a wide range from a deep F2 to a bright C4. This creates a distinctive harmonic canvas:

• The interval from the 6th to 5th string (F2 to G2) is a Major 2nd.
• The 5th to 4th string (G2 to D3) forms a Perfect 5th.
• The 4th to 3rd string (D3 to F3) is a Minor 3rd.
• The 3rd to 2nd string (F3 to A3) is a Major 3rd.
• The 2nd to 1st string (A3 to C4) is a Minor 3rd.

When strummed open, these notes – F, G, D, A, C – create a rich, suspended sound, hinting at a D minor seventh (Dm7) or F major suspended second (Fsus2) chord, often with a low G or F bass. Simple shapes will yield complex harmonies, making this tuning ideal for expressive melodic lines and droning accompaniment.

Open Chords and Accessibility

While not a traditional open major or minor tuning, the arrangement of notes provides easy access to certain harmonic structures:

• An F Major triad (F-A-C) can be easily voiced using the 6th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings.
• A D Minor triad (D-F-A) is readily available across the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings.
• The open strings themselves form the core voicings for the song "The Wolves," offering a deep, resonant sound.
• Experimenting with single-finger barres across higher frets will unveil interesting clusters and suspended harmonies, characteristic of modern folk and indie rock.

How to Tune

To achieve "Bon Iver: The Wolves Tuning" from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. This is a minor adjustment.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. Note that this is a significant drop; while generally safe for standard gauge strings, a lighter gauge might be considered for optimal tension and intonation, especially if this tuning is used frequently.

6th String: F2

5th String: G2

4th String: D3

3rd String: F3

2nd String: A3

1st String: C4