Verbal Analysis: Parabola Tuning in F#

This tuning is a fascinating and highly experimental adaptation of Tool's signature Parabola Tuning (originally BEDGBE), transposed to the key of F#. It's an exceptionally low and wide-ranging tuning, promising a dark, resonant, and almost industrial sonic landscape. The 'Parabola' moniker perfectly describes the pitch contour, which plunges to extreme lows before ascending dramatically and then dropping again. Players will find a deep, guttural growl at the low end, combined with piercing high notes that create a vast tonal range. This isn't a tuning for the faint of heart; it's designed for heavy, progressive, and atmospheric compositions, offering unique harmonic possibilities that challenge conventional guitar playing. The re-entrant strings will require a complete re-thinking of fingerings and chord shapes, opening doors to entirely new sonic textures.

Technical Analysis: Parabola Tuning in F#

The open strings are tuned to F#2, B1, A2, D3, F#4, B3 (from 6th to 1st string). This configuration presents several striking technical characteristics:

• Extreme Range and Re-Entrant Voicing: The most notable feature is the parabolic pitch contour. The 6th string starts at F#2. However, the 5th string (B1) is tuned an octave lower than a standard B, making it even lower in pitch than the 6th string (F#2). This creates a re-entrant relationship where the 'lower' physical string produces a lower pitch than its adjacent 'higher' string. The pitches then rise through A2 (4th string) and D3 (3rd string), before a dramatic jump to a very high F#4 on the 2nd string. Finally, the 1st string descends slightly to B3, creating another re-entrant pair with the 2nd string. This wide intervallic spread and re-entrant nature demand a novel approach to playing and will make traditional chord shapes highly impractical.
• Open Chord: F#m7(add11): Strumming all open strings yields a rich, dark F# minor 7 chord with an added 11th (B). The notes F# (root), A (minor 3rd), B (11th), and D (minor 7th relative to F#) are present across the strings. The presence of the root, minor third, and dominant elements provides a strong tonal center, while the 11th adds a suspended, moody quality. The wide intervallic spread, particularly the very low B1 and the very high F#4, will give this open chord an immense, resonant, and expansive quality.
• Power Chords and Riffs: Due to the re-entrant nature and the significant pitch differences between adjacent strings, conventional power chord shapes (root-fifth) will not translate directly. Exploring dyads and triads across non-adjacent strings will be key to discovering the heavy, low-end textures this tuning is capable of. Riffs will lean into the angular and wide intervals, making for a uniquely challenging and rewarding playing experience.
• Playing Dynamics: The substantial down-tuning on all strings will significantly reduce string tension. This necessitates a precise and controlled playing technique to avoid excessive fret buzz and maintain clarity. The tuning's inherent range allows for a vast dynamic spectrum, from soft, haunting atmospheres to aggressive, percussive onslaughts.

How to Tune

To achieve the unique Parabola Tuning in F#, follow these string adjustments. Given the substantial changes, using a dedicated tuner is essential. Please note that all strings involve significant down-tuning (5 or 10 semitones); a heavier gauge string set is strongly recommended for optimal tension, tone, and to prevent potential damage to lighter strings.

• 6th String: Tune down 10 semitones to F#2. This is a drastic drop; a much heavier gauge string is essential to maintain proper tension and avoid floppiness.
• 5th String: Tune down 10 semitones to B1. Another extreme drop. Using a significantly heavier gauge string is critical for playability, tone, and preventing buzzing.
• 4th String: Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Tuning down by this amount suggests considering a heavier gauge string for optimal performance and sustain.
• 3rd String: Tune down 5 semitones to D3. A heavier gauge string may be beneficial here to ensure good tension.
• 2nd String: Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. Consider a heavier gauge string to maintain adequate tension and clarity, especially for higher pitches.
• 1st String: Tune down 5 semitones to B3. A heavier gauge string is recommended for this drop to ensure good tone and playability.

The notes for this tuning are as follows:

• 6th String: F#2
• 5th String: B1
• 4th String: A2
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: F#4
• 1st String: B3