This unique and expressive tuning, famously used in Sungha Jung's captivating arrangement of "Winner Takes It All," offers a rich and resonant soundscape. It diverges significantly from standard guitar tuning, opening up new harmonic possibilities, especially suited for intricate fingerstyle arrangements and emotive compositions.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F2-G2-D3-G3-A#4-D4. This configuration creates a distinctive F6sus2 (F-G-Bb-D) voicing when played open, offering a naturally full and slightly melancholic character. The presence of octave Gs (G2, G3) and Ds (D3, D4) contributes to a sustained, droning quality, enhancing the richness of the sound. The A#4 (Bb4) on the second string introduces a tritone interval with the low F (F to Bb), adding tension and a unique color to the overall harmony.

Due to its specific intervals, standard chord shapes will be recontextualized. However, the open tuning itself provides an inherent F6sus2 chord that can serve as a home base. Simple barre chords across all strings will create interesting new clusters, effectively transposing the open chord. Additionally, two or three-string voicings will be particularly effective for melody and harmony exploration within this distinct sonic environment, allowing for fluid transitions and rich textural playing.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve Sungha Jung's "Winner Takes It All" tuning, please adjust your strings from standard EADGBe as follows. Always tune carefully and check with a reliable tuner:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone to F2. (Exercise caution when tuning up.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4 (Bb4).
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

None of these string movements exceed the typical recommendation of 4 semitones up or down, so a change in string gauge is generally not required. However, it is always good practice to ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after any significant tuning changes.

6th String: Tuned to F2. This is the lowest string, providing the foundational root or a strong bass note for the tuning's overall harmony.

5th String: Tuned to G2. A major second interval above the 6th string, it adds an important melodic and harmonic layer to the open chord.

4th String: Tuned to D3. This string establishes a major sixth interval above the F, contributing significantly to the chordal richness and open sound.

3rd String: Tuned to G3. An octave higher than the 5th string, it reinforces the G note, adding fullness and resonance to the soundscape.

2nd String: Tuned to A#4 (Bb4). This note is crucial for the unique character of the tuning, providing a flattened third relative to D or an augmented fourth/tritone relative to F, creating a distinctive suspended or altered quality.

1st String: Tuned to D4. An octave higher than the 4th string, it completes the chord structure with a bright top note, ensuring a full and balanced voicing.