This intricate guitar tuning creates a sophisticated F# minor 13th chord on the open strings, making it a powerful foundation for a variety of musical styles. It immediately conjures a rich, jazzy or fusion sound, but its complexity also lends itself beautifully to blues, R&B, or even progressive rock where advanced harmonic textures are desired. The open chord is perfect for drone effects, slide guitar, or fingerstyle playing, allowing you to easily explore intricate voicings built upon this unique harmony.

Technically, the guitar is tuned from the 6th to the 1st string as follows: F#3, A2, C#4, E3, G#4, D#5. These notes comprise an F# (root), A (minor 3rd), C# (perfect 5th), E (minor 7th), G# (major 9th), and D# (major 13th). Compared to standard tuning, this involves significant changes:

• The low E string (6th) is raised a major 2nd to F# (2 semitones up).
• The A string (5th) remains at A.
• The D string (4th) is lowered a semitone to C# (1 semitone down).
• The G string (3rd) is lowered a minor 3rd to E (3 semitones down).
• The B string (2nd) is lowered a minor 3rd to G# (3 semitones down).
• The high E string (1st) is lowered a semitone to D# (1 semitone down).

The substantial re-tuning, particularly the -3 semitone drops on the 3rd and 2nd strings, and the +2 semitone rise on the 6th string, will necessitate a complete re-thinking of chord shapes and fretboard navigation. Standard major and minor barre chords will likely be unplayable or sound very different. However, this opens up a new world of unique voicings and melodic possibilities, encouraging creative exploration. While the string movements do not exceed the typical threshold for immediately recommending a different string gauge (which is usually -4 or +4 semitones), the changes are significant. Players should exercise caution when tuning, especially with the upward tension on the 6th string and the downward tension on the 3rd and 2nd strings, and be mindful of potential intonation adjustments.

How to Tune:

To achieve the F# Minor 13th Open Tuning, adjust your guitar strings from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning as follows:

6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3.

5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains A2.

4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitones to C#4.

3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.

2nd String (B): Tune down 3 semitones to G#4.

1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitones to D#5.