Tuning Analysis: F Minor's Echo

This unique tuning, originally described as something "pretty" resulting from experimentation, indeed offers a distinctive and evocative sonic landscape. It moves away from standard guitar tunings to unlock a rich, often melancholic, and harmonically complex sound.

Verbal Description

The overall feel of this tuning is one of depth and introspection. The prominent minor third (G#) and minor seventh (D#) against the fundamental F create a strong minor tonality, giving it a somewhat somber or pensive character. However, the presence of the perfect fifth (C), perfect fourth (A# / Bb), and major sixth (D) introduces layers of complexity and openness. Strumming all open strings yields a lush, extended minor chord, rich with sustained possibilities. It encourages atmospheric playing, intricate fingerstyle arrangements, and can lend itself beautifully to genres like progressive rock, ambient, or modern folk music where unique harmonic textures are desired. The intervallic relationships suggest a sound that is both familiar in its minor core yet fresh in its extended harmonies.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the strings to F2, G#3, C3, D#4, A#4, D4. Analysing the intervals relative to the lowest note, F, we find:

• F (Root)
• G# (Minor 3rd)
• C (Perfect 5th)
• D# (Minor 7th - enharmonically Eb)
• A# (Perfect 4th - enharmonically Bb)
• D (Major 6th)

This collection of notes essentially forms an F minor 7 chord (F-Ab-C-Eb) with an an added perfect 4th (Bb) and a major 6th (D). When strummed open, this creates a sophisticated F minor 7(add11, add13) or F minor 13(omit9) voicing, offering a full, resonant minor harmony that feels simultaneously dark and expansive.

Open Chords and Voicings

The inherent harmonic structure of this tuning makes certain chords and voicings particularly accessible:

• Open Strum: As noted, a rich F minor 7(add11, add13) chord is readily available, perfect for sustained drones or ambient pads.
• F Minor Triad: The lowest three strings (F2, G#3, C3) naturally form an F minor triad, providing a strong tonal anchor.
• C minor 7: The middle three strings (C3, D#4, A#4) effectively create a C minor 7 chord (C-Eb-Bb), allowing for easy access to related minor harmonies.
• Eb Major 7: The top three strings (D#4, A#4, D4, or Eb4, Bb4, D4) are very close to an Eb Major 7 chord (Eb-G-Bb-D), although the G is omitted. This provides a bright contrast or an easy pathway to dominant 7th sounds if the Eb is considered a root.
• Drone Opportunities: The low F, Ab, and C provide a robust minor foundation for melodic explorations on the higher strings.
• Unique Arpeggios: The wide intervals and non-linear note progression across the strings encourage unconventional arpeggio patterns that will sound fresh and complex.

This tuning is an excellent choice for guitarists seeking to break free from standard voicings and explore new harmonic territories, offering a sound that is both "pretty" and profoundly expressive.

Open String Notes

The open strings for this tuning are as follows (from low to high):

• 6th String (Low E): F2
• 5th String (A): G#3
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): D#4
• 2nd String (B): A#4
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please follow these instructions carefully to achieve the tuning from standard EADGBe. Remember that significant changes in string tension may require adjustments to your guitar's setup. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different string gauge may be advised for optimal tension and playability.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A2 to G#2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones from G3 to D3. (Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B3 to A#3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.