Verbal Analysis:

"Take the Cookie and..........." The Nookie Tuning is a truly unique and highly experimental approach to guitar string configuration. It deviates significantly from standard tuning conventions, presenting a challenging yet potentially rewarding landscape for the adventurous guitarist. The most striking feature is the non-linear pitch progression across the physical strings: the third string (String 3) is tuned an entire octave above the lowest string (String 4), while the second string (String 2) is then tuned significantly lower than the third string. This creates a sonic texture that is anything but ordinary, pushing players to rethink their approach to fretting and chord shapes.

When strummed open, the tuning presents the notes F#2, F#3, B2, E3 (from lowest physical string to highest). These notes collectively form an F#sus4 type of sound, or could be perceived as elements of an Emaj7/F# chord (E, B, E, F#). However, the unusual ordering of string pitches makes traditional chord voicings exceptionally difficult and counter-intuitive. This tuning is likely best suited for experimental music, ambient soundscapes, or intricate single-note melodies, where the focus is less on conventional harmony and more on exploring new sonic possibilities and dissonances. It would be an excellent choice for slide guitar or for those looking to develop a completely fresh vocabulary on the instrument, as familiar patterns will not apply.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is applied to a Guitar, specifically detailing four strings. The target notes from the lowest physical string (String 4) to the highest physical string (String 1) are:

• String 4: F#2
• String 3: F#3
• String 2: B2
• String 1: E3

The intervals between adjacent physical strings are:

• String 4 (F#2) to String 3 (F#3): A full Octave (12 semitones) up. This is a very wide interval between adjacent strings.
• String 3 (F#3) to String 2 (B2): A descending Major 6th (9 semitones down). This is a highly unconventional move where a lower-numbered string (String 2) is pitched significantly lower than the string below it (String 3).
• String 2 (B2) to String 1 (E3): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones) up.

This arrangement creates a non-linear pitch ladder, making it challenging to play with standard finger positions and requiring a complete re-learning of the fretboard. The open string chord contains F#, B, and E, which can imply an F#sus4 or Emaj7/F# tonality, but its practical application would be experimental.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Nookie Tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings as follows. Please note the significant drop in pitch for String 4, which may require a different string gauge for optimal tension and tone.

• String 4: Tune down 10 semitones to F#2. Due to the substantial drop of 10 semitones, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for this position to maintain playable tension and prevent string breakage or intonation issues.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 2: Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 1: Tune down 3 semitones to E3.

String 4: F#2

String 3: F#3

String 2: B2

String 1: E3