Tuning Analysis: Ethereal FAEGAE

This unique tuning, which we've named Ethereal FAEGAE Tuning, deviates significantly from standard guitar tuning, offering a distinctive soundscape. The original descriptor, "look a ghost unwound," perfectly captures its atmospheric and somewhat haunting character. It encourages an open, resonant playing style, rich with sustained notes and subtle dissonances.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes are F#3 A2 E3 G3 A3 E4. Let's break down the intervals and implications:

• Root Notes & Octaves: The tuning features an E octave (E3 on string 4 and E4 on string 1) and an A octave (A2 on string 5 and A3 on string 2). This provides a strong, resonant foundation, allowing for sustained drones and rich open voicings.
• Chordal Nature: When strummed open, the notes F#, A, E, G, A, E collectively form a complex, extended chord. If we consider A as the bass note (from A2 on the 5th string), the notes are A2, E3, F#3, G3, A3, E4. This could be interpreted as an A minor chord with added 6th (F#) and minor 7th (G), creating a melancholic yet intriguing harmony. Alternatively, considering E as a root from string 4, it presents an E minor feel with added F# (9th) and A (11th), suggesting an Em(add9,add11) suspended quality.
• Dissonance & Resonance: The close proximity of F#3 and G3 on strings 6 and 3, respectively, can create interesting tension or rich harmonic clusters depending on how they are voiced. The strong presence of perfect fourths (A2-E3, A3-E4) across adjacent strings also contributes to its open and ringing character.
• Playability: While not immediately intuitive for standard chord shapes, this tuning is excellent for creating expansive soundscapes, arpeggios, and modal explorations. The repeated E and A notes make it conducive for drone-based music. Barre chords will require re-thinking due to the varied intervals between strings, but will yield unique voicings. Sliding single notes or two-note harmonies up and down the neck will likely sound particularly effective, emphasizing the "unwound" nature.

Verbal Analysis:

Imagine walking through an ancient, mist-laden forest where echoes linger. This tuning evokes a sense of mystery and introspection. It's not about immediate gratification with familiar chord shapes, but rather about discovery – finding new melodic pathways and harmonic textures that resonate with the "ghost unwound" theme. The openness allows for notes to hang in the air, creating a sustained, almost ethereal quality. It's a tuning that invites experimentation, perfect for ambient soundscapes, fingerstyle pieces with a dark or contemplative mood, or even modern rock where unusual voicings are desired. Its slightly dissonant open chord has a compelling, unresolved beauty that draws the listener in.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Ethereal FAEGAE Tuning, follow these precise adjustments from a standard guitar setup. Please note the specific semitone changes for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune your 6th string up 2 semitones to reach F#3.
• 5th String (A): Keep your 5th string as is, at A2; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune your 4th string up 2 semitones to reach E3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep your 3rd string as is, at G3; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Tune your 2nd string down 2 semitones to reach A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep your 1st string as is, at E4; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note: All string movements are within a safe range of +/- 2 semitones from their standard tuning counterparts. Therefore, a change in string gauge is not generally advised for this tuning, provided your guitar is properly set up and intonated for standard tuning.