Tuning Analysis: twinkles poop

This unique tuning, affectionately named "twinkles poop," is described by its creator as a tuning they write and play in, noting its "twinkles, like all of the twinkles." This verbal description hints at a bright, shimmering, and perhaps complex or ethereal sound quality. The overall high register of some strings and the specific intervals indeed suggest a tone that can be quite resonant and sparkling, lending itself well to ambient, fingerstyle, or experimental compositions.

Technically, the tuning notes are F#3, A#3, C#4, G#4, C#5, F4 from the lowest to the highest string. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest string (F#3):

• String 6 (F#3): Root
• String 5 (A#3): Major 3rd
• String 4 (C#4): Perfect 5th
• String 3 (G#4): Major 9th (or Major 2nd an octave higher)
• String 2 (C#5): Perfect 5th (an octave higher)
• String 1 (F4): Minor 7th

The combination of these notes – F#, A#, C#, G#, F – forms an F# Major 7 (add9) chord. This highly descriptive and rich chord gives the tuning its distinctive character, explaining the "twinkling" quality with its inherent harmonic complexity and brightness.

Open Chords and Possibilities

• F# Major Triad: The three lowest strings (F#3, A#3, C#4) directly form a clear F# Major chord. This provides an immediate, strong, and harmonically rich foundation when strumming the lower strings.
• F# Major 7 (add9): When all open strings are strummed, the tuning resonates as a beautiful F# Major 7 (add9) chord. This makes for a full, shimmering open sound, perfect for intros, sustained chords, or as a drone.
• Easy Drone Notes: The repeated C# (on strings 4 and 2) creates a natural drone effect, enhancing the F# tonality. The G# (on string 3) offers a strong major second/ninth, which can be emphasized for a bright, suspended feel.
• Accessible Voicings: Due to the F# Major foundation and the presence of the M7 and add9, many common chord shapes will take on a new, harmonically interesting color. Barre chords across the lower strings will instantly create different root-position major chords, with the higher strings adding color.
• Melodic Potential: The open strings provide a resonant palette for melodic lines, with the G# and F notes offering interesting tensions and resolutions within an F# Major context. This could lend itself well to compositions in F# Lydian or other modes emphasizing these colorful extensions.

Current Tuning Notes

• String 6: F#3
• String 5: A#3
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: G#4
• String 2: C#5
• String 1: F4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3. Note: Movements beyond 4 semitones up or down may require a different string gauge. This movement is within acceptable limits.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitones to A#3. Note: Movements beyond 4 semitones up or down may require a different string gauge. This movement is within acceptable limits.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitones to C#4. Note: Movements beyond 4 semitones up or down may require a different string gauge. This movement is within acceptable limits.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 1 semitones to G#4. Note: Movements beyond 4 semitones up or down may require a different string gauge. This movement is within acceptable limits.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5. Note: Movements beyond 4 semitones up or down may require a different string gauge. This movement is within acceptable limits.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 1 semitones to F4. Note: Movements beyond 4 semitones up or down may require a different string gauge. This movement is within acceptable limits.