This intriguing tuning, aptly named "Open F minor" by its creator for an IB music project, offers a distinctive and rich sound profile for the guitar. The creator aimed to establish a minor chord across the lower strings, basing it off a custom "standard FACGCE" (likely meaning F-A-C-G-C-E) with a specifically lowered A string.

Verbal Analysis

The tuning presents a dark, evocative sound, especially with the unique blend of a lowered A (G#/Ab) against the F and C. The intention to create a minor chord on the lower strings is audibly present, providing a somber or introspective foundation. The creator's note about doing "freak stuff with the third, fourth, and fifth strings" highlights the experimental and unconventional sonic possibilities this setup unlocks. It's an excellent choice for atmospheric music, drone textures, or exploring less common harmonic landscapes, offering a balance of familiarity (minor chord) and unique tension.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F2 - G#3 - C3 - G3 - C4 - E4 (from low E to high E string). Let's break down the intervals and harmonic implications:

• The lowest three distinct pitches are F2, C3, and G#3 (enharmonically Ab3). This combination (F, Ab, C) indeed forms an F minor triad, fulfilling the creator's primary goal. This provides a strong, melancholic root.
• The string order creates interesting relationships beyond the triad:
• String 6 (F2) to String 4 (C3): A perfect 5th, establishing the root-fifth foundation.
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (G3): Another perfect 5th, adding a strong harmonic overtone.
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): A perfect 4th.
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (E4): A major 3rd.
• The inclusion of G3 on the 3rd string adds an F minor 9th (or 2nd) quality, enriching the harmony.
• E4 on the 1st string (high E) introduces a major 7th, creating a unique tension against the minor triad.
• Strumming all open strings yields a complex F minor chord with added extensions, specifically F-Ab-C-G-C-E. This can be interpreted as a rich Fmin(maj7 add9) voicing, which combines the minor melancholy with a touch of brightness and jazz-like sophistication from the major seventh.

Chord Opportunities

The open F minor chord provides an immediate sonic palette and several creative avenues:

• Barre Chords: Barring across all strings at any fret will immediately produce a minor chord (e.g., barring at the 1st fret yields F# minor, 3rd fret yields A minor), making transposition straightforward for minor keys.
• Drone & Sustained Textures: The inherent minor quality and open intervals are excellent for creating sustained atmospheric pads and drones, especially when combined with effects like reverb and delay, suitable for cinematic or ambient music.
• "Freak Stuff": As suggested by the creator, the unique interplay between the 3rd, 4th, and 5th strings (G3, C3, G#3) allows for unusual voicings and dissonances. This encourages experimental melodic and harmonic ideas, opening doors for avant-garde or contemporary classical approaches where traditional harmony is bent or reimagined.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the 'Open F minor' tuning, begin from standard guitar tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) and make the following adjustments to each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitones from E2 to F2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitones from A2 to G#2. Please note: The provided target tuning for this string is G#3 (an octave higher). The stated movement of '-1' semitones from standard A2 results in G#2. Achieving G#3 from standard A2 would typically involve using an alternative string set, a capo, or a more significant adjustment than indicated by 'fret_movements' alone.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitones from B3 to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

No individual string movement in this tuning exceeds 4 semitones up or down. Therefore, extreme changes in string tension that would typically require a different string gauge are not anticipated for these adjustments.