F#ADABE - Roeda's Quirky Tuning

This is a unique and intriguing Guitar tuning, aptly named "F#ADABE - weird quirky tupatupa" and used by the artist Roeda. As described, it's a tuning that "makes some things easier, some things harder," hinting at its specialized nature and the creative possibilities it unlocks.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to F#3, A2, D3, A3, B3, E4 (from low to high). This creates a fascinating set of intervals:

• Low F# to A: A minor third (3 semitones)
• A to D: A perfect fourth (5 semitones)
• D to A: A perfect fifth (7 semitones)
• A to B: A major second (2 semitones)
• B to E: A perfect fourth (5 semitones)

The presence of two A notes an octave apart (on the 5th and 3rd strings) creates a strong open resonance, while the D on the 4th string adds a foundational element. The top two strings (B and E) are tuned a perfect fourth apart, mirroring the standard tuning's top two strings, which can allow for some familiar melodic and harmonic patterns to remain accessible.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities

Strumming all open strings (F# A D A B E) reveals a rich and complex harmony. When analyzed from the lowest note, F#, it can be perceived as an F#m7(add11) chord (F# A C# E B D – although C# is missing, and D is present instead of C#). However, a more natural interpretation might center around D. The open strings contain the notes D, E, F#, A, B.

This forms a powerful D Major 6/9 chord (D-F#-A-B-E). With the low F# acting as the bass, it creates a resonant Dmaj6/9 in 1st inversion (D/F#). This makes open D-family chords sound particularly full and harmonically rich. Open voicings of D Major, Dsus2, Dsus4, and Dadd9 are easily achieved.

The arrangement of notes also suggests:

• A Major: By utilizing the open 5th (A), 3rd (A), and 1st (E) strings, a strong A Major triad can be easily implied or embellished.
• Power Chords: The D-A perfect fifth on strings 4 and 3 provides an excellent foundation for two-note power chords that can be easily shifted around.
• Fingerstyle Potential: The open resonant qualities and unique intervals lend themselves well to fingerstyle playing, allowing for interesting drones and melodic lines.

How to Tune Your Guitar to F#ADABE

To achieve the F#ADABE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune this string up 2 semitones to reach F#3. (Original E3)
• 5th String (A): Keep this string as is; no change. It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep this string as is; no change. It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune this string up 2 semitones to reach A3. (Original G3)
• 2nd String (B): Keep this string as is; no change. It remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep this string as is; no change. It remains E4.

Important Note: When tuning up strings, especially by more than a couple of semitones, you increase string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is generally advisable to consider using a different string gauge to avoid breakage or excessive tension on the instrument. In this tuning, the maximum movement is 2 semitones up, which is generally considered safe for standard guitar strings.

6th String: F#3

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: A3

2nd String: B3

1st String: E4