"La Conquete," as described by Justin St-Pierre, is a distinctive guitar tuning that plunges the instrument into a deep, resonant, and somewhat introspective sonic landscape. It evokes a sense of vastness and depth, making it particularly suitable for atmospheric pieces, fingerstyle compositions, or music requiring a sustained, drone-like quality.

Technical Analysis

This tuning for a 6-string Guitar establishes a powerful harmonic foundation around F# and C#. Let's break down the open notes:

• String 6: F3#
• String 5: F3#
• String 4: C4#
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: F4#
• String 1: C5#

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest F# (String 6), we find a consistent F#5 (F#-C#) chord structure across the fretboard:

• String 6: F#3 (Root)
• String 5: F#3 (Unison with String 6)
• String 4: C#4 (Perfect 5th above the root)
• String 3: F#4 (Octave above the root)
• String 2: F#4 (Unison with String 3)
• String 1: C#5 (Octave above String 4, or a Perfect 5th above String 3/2)

This arrangement essentially creates an open F#5 power chord, voiced richly across three octaves with multiple F# and C# notes. The prevalence of F# and C# creates a very stable and full sound, making it ideal for drone-based playing or compositions where a strong, unchanging harmonic center is desired.

Open Chord Possibilities

With all strings played open, the tuning immediately yields a powerful and resonant F#5 (F# power chord). This provides a rich foundation that can be easily manipulated:

• Instant Harmonies: The multiple F# and C# notes allow for easy creation of expansive sounds by simply strumming or picking, without needing complex fingerings.
• Minor/Major Exploration: By fretting just one of the F# strings at the 3rd fret (to introduce an A) or 4th fret (to introduce an A#), you can quickly transform the open F#5 into an F# minor or F# major chord, respectively.
• Drone & Melodic Potential: The sustained F# and C# notes are excellent for creating drones, over which melodies can be played on the higher strings.
• Easy Barre Chords: Given the structure, barre chords will likely feel intuitive, allowing for quick transposition of the F#5 shape up and down the neck.

Tuning Considerations (String Movements Analysis)

Adjusting to "La Conquete" from a standard EADGBe tuning involves several significant pitch changes:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned up 2 semitones to F3#. This is a moderate upward adjustment and should be perfectly safe for standard string gauges.
• String 5 (A): Tuned down 3 semitones to F3#. A noticeable drop, but generally within a safe range for most string sets.
• String 4 (D): Tuned down 1 semitone to C4#. A minor adjustment, perfectly safe.
• String 3 (G): Tuned down 1 semitone to F4#. Another minor adjustment, perfectly safe.
• String 2 (B): Tuned down 5 semitones to F4#. This is a substantial drop. For optimal tone, tension, and to prevent the string from feeling overly slack or 'floppy,' it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string for the 2nd string.
• String 1 (High E): Tuned down 3 semitones to C5#. A moderate drop, safe for standard string gauges.

Overall, be mindful of the significant drop on the 2nd string. Proper setup and potentially a heavier string gauge will ensure the best playability and intonation for this unique tuning.

How to Tune

Here's how to adjust your guitar to "La Conquete" tuning. The movements are described from a standard EADGBe reference:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to F3#. Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A): Tune to F3#. Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 4 (D): Tune to C4#. Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 3 (G): Tune to F4#. Tune down 1 semitone.
• String 2 (B): Tune to F4#. Tune down 5 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Tune to C5#. Tune down 3 semitones.