This "SMITHS" tuning for the Guitar, as its name suggests, is tailored for playing songs by The Smiths. It is a highly distinctive and wide-interval tuning, likely crafted to achieve specific melodic and harmonic textures characteristic of the band's sound, especially Johnny Marr's intricate guitar work.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning presents a unique sonic landscape with several notable pitch inversions. The lowest physical string (6th string) is tuned higher than its adjacent 5th string, creating an unusual depth and separation between the lower registers. The overall upward shift combined with large, non-standard intervals between certain strings contributes to a bright, shimmering, and open quality. This configuration provides ample space for intricate arpeggios, chiming open string voicings, and allows for a rich, layered guitar sound often heard in The Smiths' repertoire. Standard chord shapes will feel entirely new, encouraging exploration of fresh voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string, are:

• 6th String: F#3
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: A3
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: F#5

Let's examine the intervals between the strings:

• 6th String (F#3) to 5th String (B2): This is a compound descending Perfect Fourth (P4). Notably, the 6th string is tuned higher than the 5th string, which creates an unusual melodic and harmonic tension.
• 5th String (B2) to 4th String (E3): A Perfect Fourth (P4) interval, similar to standard tuning.
• 4th String (E3) to 3rd String (A3): A Perfect Fourth (P4) interval.
• 3rd String (A3) to 2nd String (C#5): This is a very significant jump – a compound Major Third (M3) spanning two octaves (16 semitones). This wide interval creates a distinct spaciousness.
• 2nd String (C#5) to 1st String (F#5): A Perfect Fourth (P4) interval.

The collection of open string notes (B, E, F#, A, C#) hints at a tonality that could be centered around B or F#. For example, B minor (B-D-F#-A) or F# minor (F#-A-C#) with extensions. The sequence of perfect fourths (B-E-A and C#-F#) provides a familiar, strong harmonic foundation within parts of the tuning. However, the unique inversions and large interval jumps mean that traditional chord shapes will be significantly altered, promoting the discovery of new and characteristic voicings.

How to Tune

To achieve the "SMITHS" tuning, each string is to be tuned up by 2 semitones from its implied starting note to reach the target note:

• 6th String: Tune an E3 note up 2 semitones to F#3.
• 5th String: Tune an A2 note up 2 semitones to B2.
• 4th String: Tune a D3 note up 2 semitones to E3.
• 3rd String: Tune a G3 note up 2 semitones to A3.
• 2nd String: Tune a B4 note up 2 semitones to C#5.
• 1st String: Tune an E5 note up 2 semitones to F#5.

Important Note on String Gauge: All tuning movements are within a safe range (up 2 semitones). Therefore, a standard gauge set of guitar strings should generally be suitable. However, always exercise caution when adjusting string tension and tune gradually to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument.