Verbal Analysis

This is a highly experimental and distinctive tuning, aptly named "Pavement Architecture Tuning," reportedly crafted for the musical piece "Pavement Grave Architecture." It deviates significantly from standard tuning, creating a soundscape that is both deep and unusually resonant. The open strings present a unique sonic palette, leaning towards a drone-like or expansive texture rather than a conventional chord. The drastic drop of the second string by a full octave, combined with a low F on the sixth string, suggests its use for music requiring a thick, often dissonant, and powerfully resonant foundation. This tuning is likely ideal for genres like experimental rock, drone, doom metal, or any style seeking a darker, more expansive, and perhaps unsettling sonic character.

Technical Analysis

The notes for this tuning are F2 G2 D3 G3 B2 E4. Let's break down its components:

• Low End Foundation: The tuning starts with F2 on the 6th string and G2 on the 5th string. This creates a strong, often clashing, major second interval at the very bottom, providing a dark and dense sonic foundation.
• Middle Register: The 4th and 3rd strings are D3 and G3, which are standard. Paired with the G2 on the 5th string, these form a clear G major triad (G-D-G).
• Octave Drop on String 2: A defining feature is the 2nd string, tuned to B2 – a full octave lower than standard B3. This significantly lowers the register of what would normally be a higher-pitched string, adding immense depth and thickness to voicings involving this string.
• High E String: The 1st string remains E4, which acts as a bright contrasting element against the very low, dense foundation.

Open String Chords & Harmonic Potential:

While the open strings F-G-D-G-B-E do not immediately resolve into a common major or minor chord, they offer unique harmonic possibilities:

• The grouping of G2-D3-G3-B2 suggests a strong G Major tonality, particularly when ignoring the outer F and E strings. This means G major and minor shapes should be relatively accessible within the middle strings.
• The low F2 combined with the high E4 creates a wide Fmaj7 interval, which can be exploited for expansive, atmospheric chords or dissonant drones.
• Power chords built on the 6th and 5th strings (F2 and G2) will have a very thick, almost rumbling quality.
• Due to the B2 (octave down B), conventional chord shapes will need to be re-evaluated. This opens up opportunities for extremely deep voicings, perhaps turning what would be a higher extension into a lower, darker part of a chord. This could lead to interesting inversions or cluster chords that are impossible in standard tuning.

Overall, "Pavement Architecture Tuning" is a highly specialized setup designed for a very specific sonic goal, pushing the boundaries of traditional guitar voicings into deeper, more atmospheric, and often dissonant territories.

Tuning Notes:

String 6 (Low E): F2
String 5 (A): G2
String 4 (D): D3
String 3 (G): G3
String 2 (B): B2
String 1 (High E): E4

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Pavement Architecture Tuning," follow these instructions for each string:

• String 6 (Low E to F2): Tune up 1 semitone. Your string will move from its standard E2 note to F2.
• String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones. Your string will move from its standard A2 note to G2.
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your string remains at D3.
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your string remains at G3.
• String 2 (B to B2): Tune down 12 semitones. Your string will move from its standard B3 note to B2 (an entire octave lower). WARNING: This is a significant drop in pitch. For optimal tension and playability, it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string for your 2nd string to accommodate this extreme down-tuning. Tuning this far down on a standard gauge string may result in very loose tension and poor tone.
• String 1 (High E to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your string remains at E4.

Always tune carefully and use a reliable tuner. Pay close attention to the string tension, especially with significant changes.