Tuning Overview: F# Standard Variant

As described in its unique designation, this is an "F# Standard with the B string raised to D," and aims to give a "lighter tone across the whole guitar." While F# Standard typically suggests a very deep and heavy sound, this particular variant introduces a significant harmonic shift by raising the B string to D. More notably, it features a highly re-entrant structure that creates a fresh soundscape, diverging significantly from conventional guitar tunings and offering unique melodic and harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

The "F# Standard Variant" is a fascinating departure from typical guitar tunings. Its stated goal of providing a "lighter tone across the whole guitar" is particularly intriguing, given the exceptionally low F# fundamental of some strings. This lightness likely stems from the specific intervals created by the re-entrant string order and the elevated B string, which could lead to open, airy voicings or a less dense harmonic texture compared to a strictly descending low tuning. Players exploring this tuning might discover new pathways for drone-based music, intricate fingerpicking patterns, or alternative chord shapes that leverage the non-linear arrangement of pitches. It's a tuning that encourages experimentation and offers a distinct sonic personality.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is officially designated as "F# Standard Variant" for the Guitar instrument. The open string notes are as follows:

• String 6: F#3
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: D4
• String 1: E4

A critical observation is that this is a highly re-entrant tuning. Unlike standard guitar tunings where string pitches ascend monotonically from the 6th to the 1st string, here the 5th string (A2) is actually lower in pitch than the 6th string (F#3). The general pitch order from lowest to highest overall is A2 (String 5), D3 (String 4), F#3 (String 6), G3 (String 3), D4 (String 2), E4 (String 1).

Open String Harmonies & Voicings

The unique arrangement of open strings allows for interesting chordal possibilities and drone effects:

• D Major Triad: By combining String 4 (D3), String 6 (F#3), and String 5 (A2), you can achieve an open D Major triad (D-F#-A). The re-entrant nature means the F# is on a physically "lower" string than the A, which creates unique voicings and requires innovative fingerings.
• Dsus4/add9 Over A: Playing Strings 5 (A2), 4 (D3), 3 (G3), and 2 (D4) together creates a rich A-D-G-D voicing. This can be interpreted as a Dsus4 chord with an added 9th (E is not present, but implied in some contexts) or simply a Dsus4 chord with an A in the bass, providing a strong, open sound.
• G Major Feel: Strings 3 (G3) and 2 (D4) form a perfect fifth (G-D), offering a robust harmonic anchor. When combined with D3 on String 4, this reinforces a G Major-like quality.
• Melodic & Drone Potential: The juxtaposition of G3 (String 3) and D4 (String 2) provides a strong perfect fifth. D4 (String 2) and E4 (String 1) form a major second, suitable for open, ringing dissonances or melodic runs. The deep A2 and D3, combined with the other notes, are ideal for creating rich, sustained drones, particularly effective in ambient or experimental genres.
• Unconventional Chord Shapes: Due to the re-entrant string order, standard chord shapes will need to be re-learned or re-imagined. This encourages players to explore new harmonic landscapes and discover fresh fingerings that leverage the unique intervals of this tuning, especially in fingerstyle or open-chord arrangements.

How to Tune

To achieve the F# Standard Variant tuning, follow these string-by-string instructions based on the specified movements:

• String 6 (lowest string): Tune to F#3. This involves tuning up 2 semitones.
• String 5: Tune to A2. Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4: Tune to D3. Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3: Tune to G3. Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2: Tune to D4. This involves tuning up 3 semitones. Please exercise caution when tuning up 3 semitones, as this can place significant tension on the string and increase the risk of breakage, especially with lighter gauge strings.
• String 1 (highest string): Tune to E4. Keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones).