Tuning Analysis: Coursy F#6

Verbal Description

The "Coursy F#6" tuning is a distinctive modification for the guitar, designed to create a rich, full F#6 chord when played open. As its internal description suggests, it features a "Doubled bottom short range F# major," meaning the two lowest strings are tuned to F#3, providing an incredibly thick and resonant foundation. This tuning evokes a full, almost orchestral quality, making it ideal for lush chordal work, open-string drones, and compositions that benefit from a deep, sustained harmonic base. Its short range implies a focused intervallic structure, lending itself well to specific melodic and harmonic explorations centered around the F# tonality. The added 6th (D#) gives it a sophisticated, slightly jazz-influenced or folk-modal character, moving beyond a simple major chord.

Technical Analysis

This is a unique open tuning, specifically an F#6 chord, voiced across the guitar. The open strings are:

• 6th String (Low E): F#3
• 5th String (A): F#3
• 4th String (D): C#4
• 3rd String (G): D#4
• 2nd String (B): A#4
• 1st String (High E): C#5

Analyzing the open notes (F#, C#, D#, A#), we can identify the components of an F#6 chord (F# - A# - C# - D#). The tuning provides a strong, clear open F#6, with the root (F#) and fifth (C#) doubled across multiple strings. The prominent D# on the 3rd string provides the characteristic major 6th interval. This makes strumming the open strings immediately yield a complete F#6 voicing.

Due to its structure, this tuning naturally lends itself to:

• Open F#6 Chord: A full and resonant F#6 chord is available simply by strumming all open strings.
• Movable 6th Chords: By barring across the fretboard, users can easily transpose the F#6 shape into other 6th chords (e.g., barre at the 1st fret yields a G6 chord, 2nd fret for G#6, and so on). The doubled low F# will ensure a powerful root.
• Drone & Pedal Tones: The doubled F# on the lowest strings is perfect for creating drone effects or pedal tones, allowing melodic lines or harmonic variations to be played over a consistent bass.
• Unique Voicings: The specific intervals, particularly the D# on the 3rd string relative to the surrounding notes, will encourage unique melodic and harmonic approaches not typically found in standard tuning. For example, moving the D# to an E (up one semitone) would introduce an F#7sus4 or F#maj7#11 flavor, or to a C# (down two semitones) for a simpler F#sus4.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Coursy F#6" tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones from E3 to F#3. This movement is within a safe range.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones from A3 to F#3. This movement is within a safe range.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C#4. This movement is within a safe range.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones from G4 to D#4. Please exercise caution. A movement of 4 semitones down is significant, and for prolonged use or if your string gauge feels too slack, a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal playability and intonation.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B4 to A#4. This movement is within a safe range.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E5 to C#5. This movement is within a safe range.

Always tune carefully, checking intonation as you go. Significant tuning changes, especially down 4 semitones as on the 3rd string, can affect string tension and feel.

6th String: Tune to F#3.

5th String: Tune to F#3.

4th String: Tune to C#4.

3rd String: Tune to D#4.

2nd String: Tune to A#4.

1st String: Tune to C#5.