Tuning Description: F Mystic Drone

The "F Mystic Drone" is a truly unique and evocative tuning, born from experimentation on an acoustic guitar. As its creator noted, the presence of double G# notes creates a remarkably full and resonant sound, contributing to a rich sonic tapestry. This tuning conjures a somewhat dark, atmospheric, and perhaps even exotic mood, deviating significantly from standard guitar voicings to open up new sonic landscapes for exploration. It invites players to embrace unusual harmonies and drone-like textures, perfect for experimental music, soundscapes, or adding an intriguing depth to acoustic pieces.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes for this tuning are F2 - G3# - D4# - G3 - G4# - D5#. This arrangement can be technically viewed as an F minor 7 chord (F-Ab-Eb) with an added G (a major second or 9th) and extensive octave doubling of G# (Ab) and D# (Eb). The F2 on the lowest string establishes a deep, resonant root. The G3# on the 5th string provides the minor third (Ab) above the root, while D4# on the 4th string gives the minor seventh (Eb). The G3 on the 3rd string introduces a major second (or 9th) relative to F, creating a characteristic tension or suspended quality against the adjacent G#. Strings 2 (G4#) and 1 (D5#) beautifully reinforce the minor third and minor seventh, respectively, in higher octaves, significantly contributing to the tuning's described "full sound" through harmonic richness and sympathetic resonance. The close proximity of G3 and G#3 (on strings 3 and 5) creates a minor second interval, a compelling characteristic that can be exploited for expressive melodic and harmonic phrasing.

Open Chords and Possibilities:

• The open tuning itself strongly implies an F minor 7 (add9) chord (F-Ab-Eb-G with doubled Ab and Eb), making open string strumming naturally rich and complex.
• Common F minor (F-Ab-C) chords are readily accessible with simple fingerings. For instance, fretting the 3rd string at the 2nd fret (A) and the 1st string at the 1st fret (F) would allow for standard F minor voicings on strings 6, 5, 3.
• Due to the pronounced drone potential of the doubled G#s and D#s, moving a single finger across the neck, especially on the lower strings, can create powerful modal shifts and atmospheric textures.
• This tuning is particularly well-suited for slide guitar, allowing for smooth, fluid transitions between the unique intervals and reinforcing the drone quality.
• The inherent qualities of this tuning encourage exploration beyond standard chord shapes, focusing more on sustained intervals, arpeggios, and rhythmic drone effects.

Detailed Tuning Notes

Here's a breakdown of each string's note in the "F Mystic Drone" tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned to F2.
• String 5 (A): Tuned to G3#.
• String 4 (D): Tuned to D4#.
• String 3 (G): Tuned to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tuned to G4#.
• String 1 (High E): Tuned to D5#.

How to Tune Your Guitar:

To achieve the "F Mystic Drone" tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these precise adjustments for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A2 to G#2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone from D3 to D#3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 3 semitones from B3 to G3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone from E4 to D#4.

Important Note on String Tension: When tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (a major third or more), it is generally advisable to consider using a different gauge of strings to avoid excessive tension or slack and ensure optimal playability and string longevity. For this particular tuning, all movements are within reasonable limits for standard string gauges, but always exercise caution when tuning significantly.