Verbal and Technical Analysis: Neapolitan Noir Tuning

The Neapolitan Noir Tuning is a unique and rather adventurous setup for your guitar, as described by its creator. It promises a journey into dissonant and moody soundscapes, drawing inspiration from the F Neapolitan scale. This tuning is not designed for conventional pop or rock, but rather for exploring darker, more experimental, and possibly film-noir-esque tonal palettes. Its deliberate deviation from standard intervals creates a sonic tension that can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding for the adventurous guitarist.

Technical Breakdown:

• Open String Notes: F#3, A2, C#4, F3, B3, G4 (from low to high)
• Intervals from the 6th String (F#3):
  • 6th String (F#3) to 5th String (A2): A Major 2nd down (A2 is 2 semitones below F#3). This creates a wide, open bottom end.
  • 6th String (F#3) to 4th String (C#4): A Compound Perfect 5th (an octave plus a perfect fifth). This offers a strong, resonant harmonic.
  • 6th String (F#3) to 3rd String (F3): A Minor 2nd down. This is a highly dissonant, signature interval of this tuning, immediately establishing a dark, clashing sound.
  • 6th String (F#3) to 2nd String (B3): A Perfect 4th. A stable interval.
  • 6th String (F#3) to 1st String (G4): A Compound Minor 2nd (an octave plus a minor second), also known as a Minor 9th. Another source of sharp dissonance, particularly with the open F#3.
• Root Note Ambiguity: With F# and F present, and C# and A, there isn't a clear single root or tonic harmony in the open position. The presence of two notes a minor second apart (F#3 and F3, as well as F#3 and G4 across an octave) creates a strong bitonal or polytonal implication, leaning heavily into dissonance rather than traditional consonant harmony.
• Dissonance and Tension: The most striking feature is the immediate dissonance between the 6th string (F#3) and the 3rd string (F3), forming a minor second. This interval will create a strong, edgy rub when strummed open, defining the "noir" character. The high G4 on the 1st string against the F#3 on the 6th also forms a compound minor second (minor 9th), contributing to this pervasive tension.
• Octave Relationships: The tuning features several octave displacements. For example, the 5th string A2 is an octave below what might be expected in a higher voicing, while the 4th string C#4 is an octave above its lower counterpart. This mix of registers further complicates conventional harmonic voicings and creates unique voice leading possibilities.

Potential Chords & Voicings:

Given the inherent dissonance, finding traditional open chords will be challenging, but this opens doors to unique sonic textures:

• Open Strum: Strumming all open strings (F#3, A2, C#4, F3, B3, G4) will produce a highly dissonant, clustered sound. This rich cluster includes F#, A, C#, F, B, G. It functions more as an atmospheric sound mass than a conventional chord, excellent for experimental drones, ambient soundscapes, or creating unsettling backdrops.
• Partial Voicings:
  • Using strings 6, 5, 4 (F#3, A2, C#4) could yield an F# minor triad with an octave displacement on the A, offering a melancholic base that can be contrasted with the dissonant higher strings.
  • Combining strings 3, 2, 1 (F3, B3, G4) creates another dissonant cluster (F, B, G). This is suitable for specific, non-diatonic melodic ideas or to provide extreme harmonic tension.
  • By fretting just the 3rd string up to F# (1st fret) and letting the 6th string F#3 ring, you can create a powerful unison, then explore dissonances with other open strings.
• Drone Potential: The F#3 and F3 provide a natural, constant friction. Holding down a single note on the lower strings and letting the higher strings ring open or playing sparse melodies over them could create a sense of lingering unease or mystery.
• Fingerings: Due to the close intervals (F#3/F3, G4/F#3), inversions and altered chords might be within reach with minimal finger movement. This allows for quick shifts between dissonant and slightly less dissonant voicings, encouraging the exploration of modern jazz harmony or soundtrack-style compositions.

This tuning encourages exploration beyond conventional harmony. It's an excellent choice for composers looking for a distinct, unsettling, and atmospheric sound, perfectly aligning with its "Neapolitan Noir" moniker.

Open String Notes

• 6th String (Low E Equivalent): F3#
• 5th String (A Equivalent): A2
• 4th String (D Equivalent): C4#
• 3rd String (G Equivalent): F3
• 2nd String (B Equivalent): B3
• 1st String (High E Equivalent): G4

How to Tune Your Guitar to Neapolitan Noir Tuning

To achieve the Neapolitan Noir Tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please use an accurate tuner and be mindful of string tension, especially when tuning up significantly.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F3#. (Note: Movement is within safe limits for standard string gauges.)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C4#. (Note: Movement is within safe limits for standard string gauges.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3. (Note: Movement is within safe limits for standard string gauges.)
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a moderate increase in tension. While often safe for standard gauges, always proceed carefully. For sustained use or if tuning up further, a heavier gauge string might be advisable.)

Important Note on String Gauge: As a general rule, tuning a string up or down by more than 4 semitones from its standard pitch may require a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or excessive floppiness. In this tuning, most movements are within moderate limits, but always exercise caution, especially when tuning strings up.