Verbal Analysis

The "A Major 7th (add6) / F# Bass" tuning, also known as "Unwound" for its original song context, creates a unique and rich harmonic landscape. With open strings tuned to F#3 A2 E3 G#4 A3 E4 (from low E to high E string), it's immediately apparent that this is not a standard open chord tuning. The presence of F# in the bass anchors a chord that primarily evokes an A Major 7th harmony (A, C#, E, G#). However, the C# is absent, and instead, we have an F# (the 6th or 13th) and a double A and E across different octaves, giving it a resonant, almost drone-like quality.

Strumming all open strings yields an A Major 7th (add6) chord with an F# in the bass (or an F# minor 7 chord with an added major 3rd, G#). This creates a shimmering, complex sound, perfect for ambient textures, arpeggiated patterns, or a unique rhythmic drive. The non-linear pitch progression between some strings (F#3 is higher than A2, G#4 is higher than A3) contributes to its distinctive character, offering unexpected melodic and harmonic possibilities.

This tuning is particularly well-suited for exploration in genres that benefit from extended harmonies and resonant open strings, such as contemporary folk, indie, progressive rock, or even jazz-fusion. It encourages creative chord voicings and offers a fresh perspective on the fretboard.

Potential Chords and Shapes:

• Open Strings: The tuning naturally forms an A Major 7th (add6) chord with an F# bass. This is your primary open chord.
• Barre Chords: By barring across a single fret, you can easily shift this complex harmony up or down the neck. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret would produce a B Major 7th (add6) with a G# bass.
• Two-Finger Chords: Experiment with two- or three-finger chord shapes on higher frets to discover new voicings that leverage the unique intervals between strings. The repeated A and E notes across octaves can facilitate interesting drone or pedal-tone effects.

Technical Analysis

This tuning deviates significantly from standard E Standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) and features a blend of lowered and raised strings:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned up to F#3.
• String 5 (A): Remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Tuned up to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tuned up to G#4.
• String 2 (B): Tuned down to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Remains E4.

The resulting open notes are F#3 A2 E3 G#4 A3 E4. A key technical observation is the non-monotonic pitch progression between certain adjacent strings:

• String 6 (F#3) to String 5 (A2): A downward interval of a Minor 3rd (A to F# is a Minor 3rd down).
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (E3): A perfect 5th interval up.
• String 4 (E3) to String 3 (G#4): A Major 3rd interval up.
• String 3 (G#4) to String 2 (A3): A downward interval of a Minor 2nd (A to G# is a Minor 2nd down).
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (E4): A perfect 5th interval up.