Verbal Analysis

This tuning, F# F# C# G# C# F, immediately commands attention with its deep, resonant F# drone, established by the unison of the lowest two strings. It presents a wide, open soundscape, ideal for intricate fingerstyle, tapping, and ambient textures, aligning perfectly with the innovative style of artists like Yvette Young, who is known for employing unique tunings in her compositions. The core of the tuning is built around a stack of fifths (F#-C#-G#) across the lower-mid strings, providing a solid, almost majestic harmonic foundation. However, the highest string, tuned to F natural, introduces a distinctive, melancholic dissonance. Being a semitone below the root F#, this F creates a unique tension and harmonic intrigue, preventing the tuning from sounding overly resolved or conventional. It's a tuning crafted for expressive melodic lines, complex harmonic clusters, and explorations beyond standard chord voicings, perfect for a Yvette Young ditty.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is set to F#3 F#3 C#4 G#4 C#4 F4 from the 6th (lowest) string to the 1st (highest) string.

Intervals (relative to the lowest F#):

• 6th String (F#3): Root
• 5th String (F#3): Unison (or Octave if considering different registers)
• 4th String (C#4): Perfect 5th
• 3rd String (G#4): Major 2nd (9th) from F#; Perfect 5th from C#
• 2nd String (C#4): Perfect 5th from F#; Perfect 4th from G#
• 1st String (F4): Minor 2nd from F#; Major 6th from G#; Minor 3rd from C#. This F natural is a key element for the tuning's unique harmonic flavor, creating a distinct dissonance against the F# root.

Open Chord Voicings & Potential Chords:

• F#5 / F#sus2 / F#add9: The strong presence of F# and C# notes across the lower strings (F# F# C# _ C# _) forms a powerful F#5 chord. Including the G# on the 3rd string transforms this into an F#sus2 or F#add9 (F# - G# - C#). These forms are readily available and can serve as the harmonic anchor for the tuning.
• Dissonant Clusters & Melodic Tension: The high F natural creates a striking minor 2nd interval with the F# root, which can be utilized for unique dissonant clusters, bluesy bends, or as a strong leading tone in melodic lines. It’s not a conventional open chord strummer, but rather a palette for expressive melodic and percussive techniques often associated with tapping and harmonics.
• Implied G#m7/F#maj7b5: While not a direct open chord, the collection of notes F# C# G# F could hint at more complex harmonies like G#m7b5 (if G# is considered a temporary root, though the F# root is dominant) or an F#maj7b5, suggesting a rich harmonic landscape for exploration, especially when fretting additional notes.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Yvette's F# Dronescape' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone to G#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 10 semitones to C#4. Note: This is a significant drop. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is highly advisable to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or intonation issues.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.