Tuning Analysis: CAPO 3 FACGCE

This unique guitar tuning is designed for an acoustic or electric guitar, focusing on a specific open chord voicing that is then transposed by a capo. The name "CAPO 3 FACGCE" indicates that the guitar is primarily tuned to FACGCE (low to high) from standard pitch, and subsequently, a capo is placed on the 3rd fret, raising all notes by three semitones.

Verbally, this tuning presents a lush, open, and sophisticated soundscape. The base tuning of F-A-C-G-C-E (if played without a capo) creates an Fmaj7add9 chord, which is inherently rich and resonant. With the capo on the 3rd fret, the actual sounding open strings form an A#maj7add9 chord (G#3, C3, D#4, A#4, D#5, G4 from low to high). This makes for a very full, expansive, and slightly jazzy or ethereal sound, ideal for ambient textures, intricate fingerstyle passages, or songwriting that calls for a distinct harmonic flavor. The repeated D# notes (on the 4th and 2nd strings) and the closely voiced G and A# (on the 1st and 3rd strings) offer interesting drone and melodic possibilities, enhancing resonance and sustain. It's a tuning that invites exploration beyond standard chord shapes, leveraging the open strings for harmonic depth and easy access to expressive voicings.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes, as they actually sound with the capo on the 3rd fret, are:

• String 6 (Low E-string equivalent): G#3
• String 5 (A-string equivalent): C3
• String 4 (D-string equivalent): D#4
• String 3 (G-string equivalent): A#4
• String 2 (B-string equivalent): D#5
• String 1 (High e-string equivalent): G4

These notes collectively form an A#maj7add9 chord (A# - root, C - 9th, D# - major 3rd, G - 6th/13th, G# - major 7th). The specific voicing results in a dense and resonant open chord. The tuning's characteristic Fmaj7add9 structure (relative to the capo) provides a strong harmonic center, making it easy to transpose common chord shapes up and down the neck to achieve different keys while retaining the tuning's unique flavor. The significant upward tuning adjustments across all strings mean increased string tension, which can contribute to a brighter, more sustaining tone and potentially allow for lighter gauge strings if desired for easier playability. Open-string strumming immediately yields an A#maj7add9, while simple barre chords above the capo can quickly access other maj7add9 voicings.

How to Tune:

To achieve the CAPO 3 FACGCE tuning, you will first tune your guitar from standard EADGBe to the specific notes, and then apply a capo to the 3rd fret. Please proceed with caution, especially with significant upward tuning adjustments.

• String 6 (Low E-string): Tune up 4 semitones from E to G#. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider a different string gauge if this is a permanent tuning to manage string tension and prevent breakage.
• String 5 (A-string): Tune up 3 semitones from A to C.
• String 4 (D-string): Tune up 1 semitones from D to D#.
• String 3 (G-string): Tune up 3 semitones from G to A#.
• String 2 (B-string): Tune up 4 semitones from B to D#. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider a different string gauge if this is a permanent tuning to manage string tension and prevent breakage.
• String 1 (High e-string): Tune up 3 semitones from E to G.

Once tuned, place a capo on the 3rd fret to achieve the final sounding notes.

Open String Notes (with Capo on 3rd Fret):

String 6 (Lowest String): G3# (G sharp in the 3rd octave)

String 5: C3 (C natural in the 3rd octave)

String 4: D4# (D sharp in the 4th octave)

String 3: A4# (A sharp in the 4th octave)

String 2: D5# (D sharp in the 5th octave)

String 1 (Highest String): G4 (G natural in the 4th octave)