The 'GGGG#GG' Tuning

This unique guitar tuning, aptly named 'GGGG#GG', offers a distinctive sonic landscape. As described by its creator, the core intention was to feature a prominent G# note, which creates a highly specific and unconventional harmonic texture. This tuning is not designed for traditional chordal playing but rather for exploring drones, experimental sounds, and creating unique melodic or rhythmic tension against a strong G foundation.

Technical Analysis

The tuning establishes a profound G drone across the majority of the strings: G2, G2, G2, G3, and G4. The most striking element is the G4# (G sharp, an octave above the lowest G) on the third string. This G# introduces a very sharp, almost dissonant cluster against the surrounding G notes. Technically, this creates a major seventh interval (G# to the G above it) or a minor second (G to G#), resulting in a distinct tension. This open string voicing is less about forming standard open chords and more about providing a unique tonal palette, ideal for drone music, experimental genres, or for adding specific harmonic color and tension. While not a conventional chord, an open strum produces a rich G drone with an inherent, cutting edge provided by the G#.

Chords and Playability

Given its structure, this tuning excels at generating rich, resonant G drones with an underlying tension. The arrangement of G, G, G, G#, G, G on open strings suggests:

• Drone with Inherent Tension: The open strings create a powerful G drone, with the G# providing a strong leading tone or a sharp, dissonant counterpoint.
• Resolving the Tension: Fretting the third string down one fret (to G) would resolve the G# into a full unison G chord across all strings, offering an immediate contrast in sound. This can be used for dynamic shifts in a composition.
• Experimental & Slide Playing: The unison Gs lend themselves well to slide guitar, where the G# can be picked out for melodic interest. Fingerstyle players can exploit the specific intervals for unique voicings and rhythmic patterns not found in standard tunings.

How to Tune

Please pay close attention to the string tension changes, especially for strings with significant alterations. For changes exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different string gauge is generally advised to minimize the risk of string breakage or instrument damage.

• String 6 (Low E to G2): Tune up 3 semitones. (Care advised: +3 semitones)
• String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D to G2): Tune down 7 semitones. (Warning: Significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.)
• String 3 (G to G4#): Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 2 (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. (Care advised: -4 semitones)
• String 1 (High E to G4): Tune up 3 semitones. (Care advised: +3 semitones)

The notes for the 'GGGG#GG' tuning are as follows, from the thickest (lowest) string to the thinnest (highest) string:

• String 6: G2
• String 5: G2
• String 4: G2
• String 3: G4#
• String 2: G3
• String 1: G4