The "Tuareq Tuning" is a captivating and harmonically rich guitar setup, deeply rooted in the musical traditions of North Africa. As described, it expertly leverages the 6th and 5th strings as fundamental "drone" elements, creating a distinctive sonic backdrop that beautifully complements vocal accompaniments and traditional melodies.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately transports the listener to the evocative soundscapes of the Sahara. The interplay between the low G string and the ascending A# (B-flat) string creates a characteristic tension and release, a hallmark of North African music. It's a tuning that encourages a modal and melodic approach rather than relying on standard chord voicings. The open strings offer a unique blend of major and minor tonalities, allowing for an expressive range that feels both ancient and deeply soulful. It provides a resonant foundation for intricate lead lines and rhythmic strumming, with the drones providing a constant harmonic anchor.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the "Tuareq Tuning" are G2 - A#3 - D3 - G3 - B3 - E4, from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string.

• G2 (6th String): The foundational root note.
• A#3 (5th String): Enharmonically Bb3. This note is a minor second (or minor ninth) above the root G, creating the signature "drone" effect and a characteristic tension that defines the tuning's unique flavor.
• D3 (4th String): A perfect fifth above the root G, providing harmonic stability.
• G3 (3rd String): An octave above the 6th string G, reinforcing the root.
• B3 (2nd String): A major third above the root G.
• E4 (1st String): A major sixth above the root G.

A remarkable aspect of this tuning is the simultaneous presence of both a minor third (A#/Bb on the 5th string) and a major third (B on the 2nd string) relative to the G root. This harmonic ambiguity is central to its character, allowing for the exploration of both minor and major scales and modes without rigid adherence to one tonality.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities

• G minor Triad: By strumming strings 6, 5, and 4 (G-A#-D / G-Bb-D), an immediate and clear G minor triad is achieved. This forms a strong core for minor key compositions.
• G Major Triad: Alternatively, by muting or selectively avoiding the 5th string and playing strings 6, 4, 3, and 2 (G-D-G-B), a full G Major triad is present, offering a bright contrast.
• Complex Open Voicing: Strumming all open strings (G-A#-D-G-B-E) results in a rich and extended G chord that blends minor and major qualities, characteristic of world music. It can be interpreted as a Gmin(maj3)6 or Gmaj6(b3).
• Drone-based Melody: The proximity of G and A# (Bb) on the lower strings makes this tuning ideal for drone-based melodies where these two notes interact to create a unique harmonic tension. Simple one-finger barres across the neck will reveal various modal voicings, particularly around the G and G minor positions, opening up a world of desert blues and North African sonic textures.

Current Tuning Notes

String 6 (Low E string): Tuned to G2
String 5 (A string): Tuned to A#3
String 4 (D string): Tuned to D3
String 3 (G string): Tuned to G3
String 2 (B string): Tuned to B3
String 1 (High E string): Tuned to E4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the "Tuareq Tuning" from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2. (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a moderate adjustment. While generally safe, monitor string tension carefully. For adjustments exceeding 4 semitones in either direction, a different gauge string is generally advised.)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at E4.