Tuning Overview: Veselinov's Propolsal

This unique tuning, aptly named 'Veselinov's Propolsal,' is the result of creative experimentation, stepping far outside the conventions of standard guitar tunings. As its creator describes, "It comes from me messing with my guitar." This hands-on approach has yielded a truly distinctive sonic landscape, ideal for players looking to explore non-traditional harmony, dissonance, and unique melodic lines.

Technical Analysis

Veselinov's Propolsal is characterized by a fascinating blend of close intervals and wide, unexpected jumps, making it a rich canvas for experimental soundscapes. The tuning features the following open notes from low to high:

• String 6 (Low F#): F#3
• String 5 (A#): A#3
• String 4 (C#): C#4
• String 3 (F): F3
• String 2 (A#): A#4
• String 1 (High C): C4

The tuning establishes a strong F# Major triad (F#3, A#3, C#4) across the bottom three strings, providing a resonant foundation. However, the tuning quickly diverges from conventional harmony. String 3 drops significantly to F3, creating a complex major seventh interval against the low F# and a minor second with the C# on string 4 (C#4 to F3 is a diminished fifth descending). String 2 then leaps to A#4, an octave higher than the A#3 on string 5. Finally, String 1 lands on C4, just a semitone below C#4 on string 4, creating interesting potential for microtonal or dissonant clusters.

Chords and Playability

This tuning does not lend itself to standard chord shapes but instead encourages exploration of unique voicings and textures:

• The open F# Major triad on strings 6, 5, and 4 (F#3, A#3, C#4) serves as a powerful, bright open chord.
• The proximity of C#4 (string 4) and C4 (string 1) allows for easy access to a minor second interval when played open, or an octave when fretting C4 up to C#4.
• The wide intervals between strings 4 and 3 (C#4 to F3), and strings 3 and 2 (F3 to A#4) will necessitate new fingerings and may reveal previously unheard harmonic possibilities.
• The tuning encourages a more melodic or arpeggiated approach rather than strumming full chords, highlighting the individual character of each string.
• Given the significant string movements (especially String 1 tuning down 4 semitones), players may find that a heavier gauge string for the first string and potentially others will improve tension, intonation, and overall tone.

Veselinov's Propolsal is an exciting tuning for those who enjoy pushing the boundaries of the guitar, offering a distinct and unconventional sound palette for improvisation, composition, and experimental genres.

Tuning Notes: Veselinov's Propolsal

• String 6: F#3
• String 5: A#3
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A#4
• String 1: C4

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve Veselinov's Propolsal, carefully adjust each string from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning as follows. Please take note of the string movement recommendations, especially for larger semitone changes.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Note: As this involves tuning down 4 semitones, a different gauge string is strongly advised for sustained use to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and tone quality.