Description: Dances for Universal Peace F Bass Open G

This is a distinctive and spiritually-inspired modification of the traditional Open G tuning, originally named "open g (dup w/ f bass)" and described as "dances for universal peace open g tuning, modified with an f bass string." It retains the characteristic open resonance of Open G while introducing a unique F bass, making it ideal for rich, drone-like accompaniments and melodic explorations.

Verbal Analysis

At its heart, this tuning creates a powerful and inviting soundscape. The open strings (F2-G2-D3-G3-G3-D4) don't form a simple major or minor chord, but rather a rich G major harmony (G-D-G-G-D on strings 5-1) with a prominent F in the bass. This gives it a G/F quality or can be perceived as an Fmaj7#11 or Fmaj9sus4 depending on context, offering a modal and ethereal feel perfect for contemplative music. The doubled G notes on the 3rd and 2nd strings, along with the doubled D notes on the 4th and 1st strings, create a strong, resonant drone effect when strummed openly. This makes it particularly effective for slide guitar playing, enabling smooth glides between chords and notes.

The overall openness means that a single finger barre across any fret will instantly produce a movable G major chord (or variations thereof) over the F bass, inviting fluid chord changes and melodic improvisations. Common chord shapes from standard tuning will need to be re-learned, but the simplified nature of open tunings often makes complex voicings more accessible. Chords such as Am (fingering like a C chord in standard, but shifted), C, and D become readily available with minimal effort, often retaining the rich open strings as drones.

Technical Analysis

The specific note configuration is F2-G2-D3-G3-G3-D4, from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string. Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning:

• The 6th string (normally E) is tuned up 1 semitone to F2.
• The 5th string (normally A) is tuned down 2 semitones to G2.
• The 4th string (normally D) remains D3.
• The 3rd string (normally G) remains G3.
• The 2nd string (normally B) is tuned down 4 semitones to G3.
• The 1st string (normally E) is tuned down 2 semitones to D4.

This results in a core G-D-G-G-D structure on strings 5-1, which is a G major chord with an octave G and D. The addition of the F2 on the lowest string transforms the harmonic landscape, providing a deep, grounding bass note that fundamentally alters the character of the G major harmony above it.

How to Tune

To achieve the Dances for Universal Peace F Bass Open G tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps with caution. Tuning extremes can stress strings and your instrument; for changes exceeding 4 semitones, a different string gauge is advisable.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. (Minor adjustment)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2. (Minor adjustment)
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change. It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change. It remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. (This is a significant drop; exercise caution. Consider a heavier gauge string for consistent use.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4. (Minor adjustment)

6th String (Low E): Tuned up 1 semitone from E2 to F2

5th String (A): Tuned down 2 semitones from A2 to G2

4th String (D): Remains at D3

3rd String (G): Remains at G3

2nd String (B): Tuned down 4 semitones from B3 to G3

1st String (High E): Tuned down 2 semitones from E4 to D4