Description

This is an intriguing and highly experimental Guitar tuning, aptly named "mirror F# II". It perfectly embodies its description of "being outside and making it about what's around you," encouraging a unique sonic exploration that deviates significantly from traditional guitar harmony.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes, listed from the lowest-pitched string (6th) to the highest (1st), are:
F#3, A#3, B2, G#4, A#4, F4.
A striking characteristic of this tuning is its non-linear pitch progression. The 4th string (B2) is tuned to a significantly lower pitch than both the 6th string (F#3) and the 5th string (A#3). When ordered by actual pitch from lowest to highest, the open strings form: B2 (4th string), F#3 (6th string), A#3 (5th string), F4 (1st string), G#4 (3rd string), A#4 (2nd string).
This unconventional arrangement makes traditional open chords largely inaccessible. While the 6th string (F#3) and 5th string (A#3) form a Major 3rd (a component of an F# Major chord), the inclusion of the much lower B2 on the 4th string creates significant dissonance if all strings are strummed openly, clashing with the A#3. This tuning is not designed for easy chord voicings but rather for creating atmospheric soundscapes, drones, or exploring intricate melodic and arpeggiated patterns that highlight its unique intervals and inversions. It challenges players to abandon standard fingerings and discover entirely new sonic possibilities and textures, perhaps reflecting a mirror-like or inverted approach to conventional guitar playing.

How to Tune

To achieve the "mirror F# II" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these adjustments for each string. All string movements specified are within a range that generally does not require a change in string gauge, but always tune with care.

• 6th String (Low E String): Tune up 2 semitones to F3#.
• 5th String (A String): Tune up 1 semitone to A3#.
• 4th String (D String): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G String): Tune up 1 semitone to G4#.
• 2nd String (B String): Tune down 1 semitone to A4#.
• 1st String (High E String): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

Always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's neck relief remains stable, especially when making significant tuning changes.

6th String: F3# (The thickest string, tuned up to F sharp in the 3rd octave)
5th String: A3# (Tuned to A sharp in the 3rd octave)
4th String: B2 (Tuned significantly lower to B in the 2nd octave, making it the lowest-pitched string in this tuning)
3rd String: G4# (Tuned to G sharp in the 4th octave)
2nd String: A4# (Tuned to A sharp in the 4th octave)
1st String: F4 (The thinnest string, tuned to F in the 4th octave)