GGBBBD# Guitar Tuner

GGBBBD# | GGBBBE♭ Polvo Fast Canoe - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - Polvo Fast Canoe

Variation of Ash's tuning (G,G,C,C,C,E) he uses on Exploded Drawing. Found at oocities.org/sunsetstrip/palladium/1131/polvotab.html

Verbal Analysis

The 'Polvo Fast Canoe' tuning, derived from Ash's unique tuning on Exploded Drawing, presents a deeply resonant and distinct sonic profile. This tuning is characterized by its heavy emphasis on the low end and a thoughtful arrangement of unison and octave relationships between the open strings. It creates an immersive atmosphere, often described as dense, expansive, and almost orchestral. The tuning's inherent qualities lend themselves to sustained drones, intricate textures, and a sound that feels both ancient and modern. The open chord's augmented nature gives it a captivating, restless quality, inviting players to explore harmonies and melodies beyond conventional frameworks.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are G1, G2, B2, B2, B3, D5#. When played open, these notes collectively form an open G Augmented chord (G-B-D#). This triad is known for its tension and 'unresolved' feel, making it a powerful tool for creating suspense or a sense of ongoing motion. The specific voicing includes:

G Root: The 6th and 5th strings are tuned to G1 and G2 respectively, providing a robust octave root foundation.
B Major Third: Strings 4, 3, and 2 are all tuned to B notes (B2, B2, B3), comprising a unison and an octave. This creates a remarkably rich and sustained major third above the G root, contributing significantly to the tuning's resonant character.
D# Augmented Fifth: The 1st string is tuned to D5#, completing the augmented triad. This sharp fifth adds a bright, almost dissonant edge when approached with traditional major/minor sensibilities, but within the augmented context, it creates a unique harmonic color.

This configuration makes it easy to explore variations of the G Augmented chord and its inversions directly from the open position. While the tuning's natural lean is towards this augmented quality, minor adjustments (e.g., fretting the D# down to a D for G Major) can unlock other harmonic possibilities. The strong unison/octave relationships of the B notes allow for interesting melodic voicings and strumming textures, while the wide intervallic leaps, particularly between B3 and D5#, can be exploited for striking melodic phrases or ringing overtones. It is exceptionally well-suited for experimental, ambient, or progressive musical styles where unique harmonic landscapes are desired.

How to Tune

String 6 (Low E to G1): Tune down 9 semitones from its standard E to G1. Given this significant drop in pitch, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension, prevent floppiness, and ensure good tone.
String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard A to G2. This is a moderate adjustment.
String 4 (D to B2): Tune down 3 semitones from its standard D to B2. This is a moderate adjustment.
String 3 (G to B2): Tune down 8 semitones from its standard G to B2. This is another substantial drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised here to avoid excessive slack and maintain playability.
String 2 (B to B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard B to B3.
String 1 (High E to D5#): Tune down 1 semitone from its standard E to D5#. This is a minor adjustment.

Important Note: For any string requiring a tuning change of 5 semitones or more (either up or down), consider using a different gauge string. Tuning down significantly can cause strings to become too loose and buzzy, while tuning up too much risks snapping the string or damaging your instrument. Selecting an appropriate gauge will ensure better playability, intonation, and string longevity.

String 6 (Low E string): G1

String 5 (A string): G2

String 4 (D string): B2

String 3 (G string): B2

String 2 (B string): B3

String 1 (High E string): D5#