GCFCFG Guitar Tuner

GCFCFG Fsus2 Reentrant - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - Fsus2 Reentrant

Low rhythm tuning with reentrant on str 6. Similar in concept to a uke.

This unique Fsus2 Reentrant tuning transforms your guitar into a versatile instrument, designed for deep rhythmic textures and expressive chord voicings. As the name suggests, it centers around an Fsus2 chord, but with a surprising twist on the lowest string.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is characterized by its "reentrant" nature, meaning the lowest physical string (String 6) is not the lowest in pitch. In fact, String 6 (G2) is tuned higher than String 5 (C2), which creates a ukulele-like effect, adding shimmer and unusual voicings when strummed. This setup lends itself to a rich, full sound, particularly suitable for rhythm guitar work where a deep, resonant base is desired, but with an unexpected brightness on top. The overall feel is open and harmonically intriguing, inviting exploration beyond standard voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G2 C2 F2 C3 F3 G3. This combination of notes forms an open Fsus2 chord with a G in the bass (Fsus2/G). The presence of G, C, and F across the strings provides a solid foundation for this suspension, offering both a strong root and the characteristic sus2 (G) tension. The reentrant G2 on String 6 creates an inversion where the actual lowest pitch is C2 on String 5. The intervals between strings (from thickest to thinnest) are:

String 6 (G2) to String 5 (C2): Perfect 4th Down
String 5 (C2) to String 4 (F2): Perfect 4th Up
String 4 (F2) to String 3 (C3): Perfect 5th Up
String 3 (C3) to String 2 (F3): Perfect 4th Up
String 2 (F3) to String 1 (G3): Major 2nd Up

This unique arrangement of intervals, especially the perfect 4th down on the lowest strings and the wide perfect 5th, offers a distinctive sonic landscape. Barre chords across these open notes will naturally yield other sus2 voicings, making it easy to transpose the open Fsus2/G feel across the fretboard. Due to the wide drops in pitch for most strings, this tuning may require a custom string gauge set to maintain proper tension and intonation.

How to Tune

To achieve the Fsus2 Reentrant tuning from standard E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-e):

String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones from E2 to G2. Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is near the recommended limit for standard string gauges. Proceed carefully.
String 5 (A): Tune down 9 semitones from A2 to C2. Recommendation: A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop to maintain tension and intonation.
String 4 (D): Tune down 9 semitones from D3 to F2. Recommendation: A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop to maintain tension and intonation.
String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones from G3 to C3. Recommendation: A heavier gauge string is advised for this large drop.
String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones from B3 to F3. Recommendation: A heavier gauge string is advised for this large drop.
String 1 (High e): Tune down 9 semitones from E4 to G3. Recommendation: A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this significant drop to maintain tension and intonation.

Given the substantial pitch drops for most strings, a dedicated set of custom gauge strings is highly recommended to ensure optimal playability, tension, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

String 6: G2 (Lowest pitch is actually String 5, C2. This G2 is the reentrant string.)
String 5: C2
String 4: F2
String 3: C3
String 2: F3
String 1: G3