As the original composer noted, this is a tuning where "tension be darned," arrived at through an unconventional exploration of the fretboard. We've named this unique arrangement "The Maverick G Tone" because it truly breaks from traditional tuning conventions, offering a fresh, albeit challenging, landscape for guitarists.

Verbal Analysis

"The Maverick G Tone" provides a distinctively bright and open sound, characterized by rich overtones and a blend of major and minor qualities. The presence of two G's and two E's across different octaves creates a resonant foundation, which can be particularly effective for drone-like passages or arpeggiated figures. Its inherent dissonance, particularly the minor 7th (F) over a prominent G root, gives it a mysterious or even avant-garde feel. This tuning encourages players to think outside the box, moving away from standard chord shapes to discover new melodic pathways and harmonic textures that are truly unique to this setup.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G2-E3-F3-G3-E4-D4 (from low E to high E string). Relative to the lowest string (G2), the intervallic structure is as follows:

• 6th String (G2): Root
• 5th String (E3): Major 6th
• 4th String (F3): Minor 7th
• 3rd String (G3): Octave
• 2nd String (E4): Compound Major 6th (or Major 13th)
• 1st String (D4): Compound Perfect 5th (or Perfect 11th)

This intricate combination of notes forms a highly dense open sonority that could be technically described as a Gmaj6/7(add9,11). While challenging for traditional chord voicings, this tuning offers fertile ground for creative exploration. Barre chords, as they are typically understood, will require significant re-learning due to the unconventional intervallic relationships.
However, certain combinations within the open tuning present interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities:

• The 6th, 3rd, and 1st strings (G2, G3, D4) establish a strong G power chord with an added 9th (D), providing a robust foundation.
• The 5th and 2nd strings (E3, E4) create resonant octave E's, which can be emphasized to shift the harmonic focus.
• The 5th, 3rd, and 1st strings (E3, G3, D4) can be voiced as an Em7 (without the root), suggesting potential for E minor tonality if played selectively.
• The F3 on the 4th string provides a distinct minor 7th against the G root, contributing to the tuning's unique tension and color.

Given the significant alterations in string tension required, this tuning is best suited for adventurous players willing to experiment with new fingerings, arpeggios, and melodic lines, leveraging its peculiar harmonic landscape to create truly original music.

String Notes for The Maverick G Tone

Here are the specific notes for each string in "The Maverick G Tone" tuning, presented from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• 6th String: G2
• 5th String: E3
• 4th String: F3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: E4
• 1st String: D4

How to Tune to The Maverick G Tone

Please follow these instructions precisely to tune your guitar to "The Maverick G Tone." It's crucial to acknowledge that some strings require substantial changes in tension. For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is highly recommended to consider using a different gauge string. This will help maintain string longevity, ensure optimal playability, and prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones from its standard E2 to G2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 7 semitones from its standard A2 to E3. Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones is a significant increase in string tension. It is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string for this position to avoid breakage and ensure stability.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 3 semitones from its standard D3 to F3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones from its standard B3 to E4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in string tension. Consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E4 to D4.