Verbal Analysis

The 'f# a# infinity' tuning, notably popularized by the ambient/post-rock band Godspeed You! Black Emperor, is a highly resonant and atmospheric open tuning. It creates a rich, full sound when strummed open, evoking a sense of expansive space and drone-like textures. This tuning lends itself beautifully to sustained chords, arpeggiated figures, and melodic lines that emphasize its inherent harmonic structure. It's particularly effective for creating lush soundscapes and driving, repetitive patterns commonly found in post-rock and experimental music.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to F#3, A#3, C#4, F#4, A#4, C#5. This arrangement forms an F# Major arpeggio across all six strings. When strummed open, it directly produces a clear and ringing F# Major chord. The intervals between strings are mostly consistent, creating a highly symmetrical and harmonically rich foundation:

• Between String 6 (F#3) and String 5 (A#3): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• Between String 5 (A#3) and String 4 (C#4): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• Between String 4 (C#4) and String 3 (F#4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• Between String 3 (F#4) and String 2 (A#4): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• Between String 2 (A#4) and String 1 (C#5): Major 3rd (4 semitones)

The repeating F# Major triad structure means that simply barring across any fret will yield a new Major chord (e.g., barring at the 1st fret creates a G Major, 2nd fret a G# Major, and so on). This significantly simplifies playing major chords and enables easy transposition across the fretboard. The consistent Major 3rd intervals on most strings offer unique melodic and harmonic possibilities, making it easier to discover new chord voicings and lead lines that stay within the F# Major tonality or its related modes.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'f# a# infinity' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones from E3 to F#3. Take care when tuning up.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone from A3 to A#3. Take care when tuning up.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G4 to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B4 to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E5 to C#5.

Important Note on String Tension: The maximum tuning adjustment is 3 semitones down on the high E string, and 2 semitones up on the low E string. While these movements are generally within the safe range for standard gauge strings, always be mindful of string tension. If your guitar feels overly stressed, or if you plan to leave it in this tuning for extended periods, considering a different string gauge might be beneficial for any string movement exceeding 4 semitones up or down. Always tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument.

String 6: F#3

String 5: A#3

String 4: C#4

String 3: F#4

String 2: A#4

String 1: C#5