Verbal and Technical Analysis

The Charlie Hunter 6 String Hybrid Tuning is a highly specialized and innovative setup, primarily associated with multi-instrumentalist Charlie Hunter and his distinct playing style on fanned-fret guitars. This particular tuning, optimized for a 28"-25.5" Fanned Fret 6-string instrument, is designed to facilitate a 'hybrid universal' approach, allowing a single guitarist to cover both bass and guitar roles simultaneously. This enables complex arrangements and a deep, full sound.

Technically, the tuning notes are G1-C2-F2-C3-F3-A4#. This represents a significant departure from standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). The lower strings (G1-C2-F2) establish a resonant, bass-heavy foundation built on perfect fourths. The subsequent strings (C3-F3) continue this pattern of fourths, while the highest string (A4#) introduces a distinct harmonic color. This arrangement creates a wide tonal range, suitable for deep bass lines and bright, articulate melodies or chords.

The open tuning itself does not resolve into a simple major or minor chord but rather presents a rich, complex, and somewhat ambiguous harmonic structure. The stacking of fourths (G-C-F) in the lower register often implies suspended voicings or a modal quality, characteristic of jazz and funk. The presence of the G, C, F, and A# (which can be enharmonically understood as Bb) suggests a flexible harmonic palette, possibly hinting at a G minor 7th chord with a suspended 4th, or even a poly-chordal arrangement. This encourages players to explore unique voicings and extended harmony rather than relying on conventional open chord shapes.

Because of the consistent fourths on the middle strings, arpeggios and scale patterns can often be more intuitive and easily transposed across the fretboard, aiding in improvisation and melodic fluidity. The distinct high A# provides a characteristic tension or 'outside' sound that Charlie Hunter masterfully exploits in his improvisations.

How to Tune

This tuning involves extreme tension changes from standard E Standard tuning. Given the significant number of semitones each string is tuned down, it is absolutely essential to use a heavier gauge set of strings specifically designed for very low tunings. Attempting this tuning with standard gauge strings may result in very loose, floppy strings, poor intonation, and potential damage to your instrument's neck or bridge due to insufficient tension. Please proceed with caution.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 9 semitones from E2 to G1. This is a massive drop; a much heavier gauge string is required.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 9 semitones from A2 to C2. Another substantial drop; a heavier gauge string is essential.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 9 semitones from D3 to F2. This significant reduction in tension necessitates a much heavier gauge string.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones from G3 to C3. This is still a considerable drop, and a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones from B3 to F3. A significant drop; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 6 semitones from E4 to A4#. This is also a considerable drop, and a heavier gauge string is recommended.

String 6: G1 - The lowest string, tuned to a very deep G, providing the fundamental bass range for the hybrid playing style.

String 5: C2 - Tuned to C, a perfect fourth above the low G, contributing to the rich, resonant bass foundation.

String 4: F2 - Tuned to F, maintaining the perfect fourth interval from C, further expanding the lower register's harmonic density.

String 3: C3 - Tuned to C, an octave higher than String 5's C, providing a familiar anchor point and continuing the fourths-based structure from the lower strings.

String 2: F3 - Tuned to F, an octave higher than String 4's F, reinforcing the F harmonic and adding to the open string's unique character.

String 1: A4# - The highest string, tuned to A#, which adds a distinctive, often bluesy or jazzy, tension and melodic brightness to the overall voicing, deviating from a strict fourths pattern.