This unique tuning, which we've named Baritone F# Re-entrant Tuning, is designed for a Baritone Guitar. As its original description suggests, it takes inspiration from a 'classic 4th tuning like bass guitar' for most of its strings, but introduces a fascinating re-entrant characteristic on its lowest string, creating a distinct sonic profile.

Verbal Analysis

Prepare for a deep, resonant sound with this tuning. The low pitches of B1 and F#2 provide a formidable foundation, perfect for genres that demand a heavy, extended range or atmospheric textures. While many strings are tuned in familiar perfect fourths, the re-entrant nature means your thickest string (String 6) is actually pitched higher than String 5. This creates unexpected harmonic possibilities and opens up new avenues for chord voicings and lead playing, encouraging unique fingerings and potentially a drone-like quality on the lowest strings.

Technical Analysis

From the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest) string, the pitches are:

• String 6: F#2
• String 5: B1
• String 4: E2
• String 3: A2
• String 2: D3
• String 1: G3

Analyzing the intervals:

• Between String 6 (F#2) and String 5 (B1): This is a Perfect 5th *down* (B1 is 7 semitones lower than F#2). This is the re-entrant interval, where a lower physical string is tuned to a higher pitch than an adjacent, thicker string.
• Between String 5 (B1) and String 4 (E2): Perfect 4th up.
• Between String 4 (E2) and String 3 (A2): Perfect 4th up.
• Between String 3 (A2) and String 2 (D3): Perfect 4th up.
• Between String 2 (D3) and String 1 (G3): Perfect 4th up.

This tuning predominantly utilizes perfect fourths across strings 1-5, echoing the linearity of a bass guitar's tuning. The F#2 on String 6, however, creates a distinct tonal character, providing a higher, resonant drone or leading note over the lower B1, rather than a deeper bass note.

Chords and Playability

The open string notes (B, D, E, F#, G, A) do not form a simple major or minor triad, suggesting an open, suspended, or modal quality, perhaps leaning towards B Dorian or related scales. The consistent perfect fourths on strings 1-5 make power chords and bass lines incredibly intuitive and easy to form across those strings.

However, the re-entrant F#2 on String 6 fundamentally alters the landscape for open chords and fingerstyle playing. Standard chord shapes will need significant adjustment. The F#2 can act as a high, sustained drone, or provide a sharp, cutting edge to lower voicings. Players might explore techniques that selectively mute or emphasize the 6th string to harness its unique relationship with String 5. This tuning is excellent for creating rich, extended harmony and complex voicings not typically found in standard tunings.

How to Tune

Based on the provided data, this tuning is presented as a target state, with no specified semitone adjustments from a particular starting point. Therefore, you should simply tune each string directly to its designated note:

• String 6 (lowest/thickest): Tune to F#2 (Keep as is; no change specified from a baseline).
• String 5: Tune to B1 (Keep as is; no change specified from a baseline).
• String 4: Tune to E2 (Keep as is; no change specified from a baseline).
• String 3: Tune to A2 (Keep as is; no change specified from a baseline).
• String 2: Tune to D3 (Keep as is; no change specified from a baseline).
• String 1 (highest/thinnest): Tune to G3 (Keep as is; no change specified from a baseline).

As no semitone movements are indicated beyond '0 semitones', there are no warnings regarding string gauge changes for this tuning. Simply tune your baritone guitar to these precise pitches.

String 6: F#2 (lowest/thickest string)
String 5: B1
String 4: E2
String 3: A2
String 2: D3
String 1: G3 (highest/thinnest string)