Tuning Analysis: F# Open Enigma

The 'F# Open Enigma' tuning, originally named 'F#A#infinity' and described as having its tab found "specifically on east hastings," presents a rich, complex, and potentially dark sonic landscape. This description hints at its origins in a distinct, perhaps experimental or underground musical scene. The tuning is ideal for players exploring textures beyond standard voicings, building on a strong F# major foundation while introducing distinct dissonances and extensions that open up unique harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Description

Imagine a sound that is simultaneously grounded and ethereal, with an underlying tension that begs for exploration. This tuning offers a powerful, resonant low end, driven by F# and A#, allowing for deep, sonorous drones. The upper strings introduce a brighter, more open quality, yet the presence of the F natural on the third string creates an intriguing friction against the F# root. This tension hints at blues, jazz, or even post-rock influences, making it a versatile choice for atmospheric soundscapes or intricate fingerstyle. It evokes a sense of mystery and depth, encouraging a creative approach to harmony and melody.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes: From the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string, the tuning is F#3, A#3, C#4, F3, A#4, D#5.
• Harmonic Structure: When all strings are strummed open, this tuning forms a rich F#7(add13) chord. The notes present are F# (Root), A# (Major 3rd), C# (Perfect 5th), F (Minor 7th), A# (Octave of Major 3rd), and D# (Major 6th/13th).
• Key Intervals: A prominent F# Major triad (F#-A#-C#) is firmly established across the three lowest strings, providing a strong tonal center. The most distinctive feature is the F3 on the 3rd string, which creates a compelling minor 7th interval with the root F#. This results in a dominant 7th quality and, when voiced alongside the F# on the 6th string, a unique, somewhat dissonant or bluesy character. The D#5 on the high E string adds a Major 6th (or 13th), expanding the harmonic palette and contributing to a full, extended chordal sound.
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open F#7(add13): The entire open tuning provides an immediate and impactful F# dominant 7th chord with an added 13th.
  • F# Major Triad: By strategically muting the 3rd string (F3), a clear F# Major chord can be achieved, offering a stable resolution.
  • Blues/Dominant Voicings: The presence of the minor 7th (F) in the lower register makes this tuning excellent for blues, funk, and R&B styles in F#, providing ready-made dominant voicings.
  • Accessible Chords: The overall intervallic structure, particularly the consistent Major 3rd and Perfect 5th on the lower strings, allows for easy formation of barre chords and power chords rooted in F# or related keys by simply moving shapes up and down the neck. The internal dissonances can be leveraged for unique melodic and chordal textures with minimal finger movement.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'F# Open Enigma' tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these precise steps:

• 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 1 semitone to D#5.

String 6: F#3

String 5: A#3

String 4: C#4

String 3: F3

String 2: A#4

String 1: D#5