The "Memories of the Girl" tuning, as suggested by its creator for the song 'The Memories of a Girl Who Never Lived,' offers a distinct and evocative sound palette. This is an all-sharps tuning that creates a bright and resonant harmonic landscape, lending itself to a reflective and somewhat melancholic feel.

Technical Analysis

This guitar tuning sets the open strings to F#3, B2, D#4, A#4, C#5, F#5 (from thickest String 6 to thinnest String 1). A remarkable and distinctive feature is the non-linear pitch progression between the two lowest strings; the 5th string (B2) is tuned lower in pitch than the 6th string (F#3). This creates an unexpected and wide interval that can be used for powerful, resonant bass lines or drones, giving the tuning a unique sonic footprint.

Analyzing the intervals between adjacent strings reveals a unique structure:

• String 6 (F#3) to String 5 (B2): An augmented 4th descending (tritone). This creates a striking and open quality, often described as dissonant but very effective for dramatic effect.
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (D#4): A major 10th (a major 3rd plus an octave), providing a very wide, open voicing that adds richness and depth.
• String 4 (D#4) to String 3 (A#4): A perfect 5th.
• String 3 (A#4) to String 2 (C#5): A perfect 4th.
• String 2 (C#5) to String 1 (F#5): A perfect 4th.

Harmonically, this tuning heavily supports F# Major and B Major. The open strings F#3, A#4, C#5, F#5 immediately form a clear F# Major chord, spanning two full octaves, giving it a grand and open resonance. Furthermore, by including the B2 and D#4, a B Major chord (B2, D#4, F#3) is also readily available, often in an open voicing, allowing for easy harmonic shifts between these two related keys. The higher strings, with their sequence of a perfect 5th followed by two perfect 4ths (D#4 - A#4 - C#5 - F#5), make it very convenient to form power chords, suspended chords, and various arpeggios in the upper register with minimal finger movement, enhancing melodic possibilities.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Memories of the Girl" tuning, start from standard EADGBe and adjust each string as follows. Please exercise caution when tuning up, especially with older strings, and ensure your guitar's neck can handle the increased tension:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 3 semitones to A#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#5.

All string movements are within a range where a change in string gauge is generally not required (none exceed 4 semitones up or down). However, always be mindful of string tension and listen for any signs of strain on your instrument.

• String 6: F#3
• String 5: B2
• String 4: D#4
• String 3: A#4
• String 2: C#5
• String 1: F#5