The 'Kims Hot Chop' tuning for guitar is a truly unique and intricate setup, designed to evoke a sound that is "both major and sad at the same time," as described by its creator. It promises an adventurous sonic landscape, deviating significantly from standard tuning to offer a distinct tonal palette.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning features the following open string notes from low to high (6th to 1st string): F#3, B2, D#4, G#4, C#5, F4. A striking feature of 'Kims Hot Chop' is its non-linear arrangement of pitches across the strings. The 5th string (B2) is tuned lower than the 6th string (F#3), and similarly, the 1st string (F4) is lower than the 2nd string (C#5). This creates a wide dynamic range and unusual interval relationships across adjacent strings:

• String 6 (F#3) to String 5 (B2): A perfect fifth down (or a perfect fourth up from B2 to F#3). This inversion of a common string order adds significant character.
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (D#4): A major sixth up.
• String 4 (D#4) to String 3 (G#4): A perfect fourth up.
• String 3 (G#4) to String 2 (C#5): A perfect fourth up.
• String 2 (C#5) to String 1 (F4): A major sixth down. Another significant pitch drop.

The tuning's creator describes it as "one note off of the Open Gypsy tuning" and an "inverted C911 chord." While directly relating the open notes (B2, F#3, D#4, F4, G#4, C#5 when ordered by pitch) to a conventional C911 chord is complex, the resulting harmonic landscape is undeniably rich and somewhat dissonant, fitting the "major and sad" description. The stated interval pattern of "4th 3rd 4th 4th 3rd" suggests a specific melodic or harmonic intention, though the actual string-to-string intervals vary as detailed above, indicating a unique voicing strategy.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities:

Due to the unusual string order and complex intervals, standard chord shapes will be transformed, demanding a fresh approach to the fretboard. The open strings themselves present a unique cluster:

• The notes B2, D#4, and F#3 form a clear B Major triad, providing a potential harmonic anchor for the tuning.
• If the 1st string (F4) is muted or avoided, the remaining notes (B2, F#3, D#4, G#4, C#5) coalesce into a rich B Major 6/9 chord (B, C#, D#, F#, G#). This offers a beautiful, resonant open voicing.
• The inclusion of F4, however, introduces a strong dissonance (a tritone from B, and a minor second from E, which isn't present, but still a jarring half-step from F#). This dissonance can be leveraged for tension and release, making the tuning suitable for experimental, ambient, or cinematic soundscapes.
• The closely spaced perfect fourths on strings 4, 3, and 2 (D#4, G#4, C#5) lend themselves well to melodic runs and power chords within that register.

This tuning is ideal for players seeking unconventional voicings, intricate arpeggios, and expressive fingerstyle playing where individual string control can highlight its unique harmonic content. It encourages exploration beyond traditional guitar theory, leading to genuinely fresh and evocative sounds.

How to Tune 'Kims Hot Chop':

Achieving this distinct tuning involves precise adjustments to each string. All movements are within safe limits for standard gauge strings, but always tune carefully and gradually.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to F#3. Raise the string by 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A): Tune to B2. Raise the string by 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D): Tune to D#4. Raise the string by 1 semitone.
• String 3 (G): Tune to G#4. Raise the string by 1 semitone.
• String 2 (B): Tune to C#5. Raise the string by 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Tune to F4. Raise the string by 1 semitone.

Always use a reliable tuner for accuracy. The semitone adjustments are relatively minor, making this tuning generally safe for most standard guitar string gauges.