The Ascendant G# Open Tuning is a highly resonant and bright tuning, where every string is raised significantly from standard EADGBE. This creates a dense, complex harmonic landscape with an underlying G# major character, augmented by additional dissonances that lend a unique, almost ethereal quality to open chords and melodies. It's a tuning that encourages exploration beyond conventional voicings, perfect for players seeking a distinct sonic signature for their compositions.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to G#3, C3, F3, A#4, D#5, G4 (from low to high). This arrangement reveals a strong presence of a G# major triad (G#, C, D#), forming the harmonic core. However, the inclusion of F (a minor 7th relative to G#) and A# (an augmented 2nd or minor 3rd relative to G#) introduces rich extensions and suspensions. The first string G provides a further layer of minor 7th harmony. This combination creates a polytonal effect, offering a sound that can range from majestic to mysteriously melancholic depending on how it's voiced.

Open Chords & Reachable Voicings

• Open Chord: Strumming all strings open yields a complex chord with elements of G#maj7, featuring an added A# (an augmented 2nd/minor 3rd) and a doubled G (minor 7th). This results in a rich, slightly suspended, and highly resonant sound, suitable for drone passages or as a unique harmonic backdrop.
• G# Major Family: Due to the G# major triad (G#, C, D#) being present across the low strings, G# major, G#sus2, or G#maj7 chords are readily accessible with minimal fingering, providing a strong tonal center.
• Unique Intervals: The non-standard intervals between strings (e.g., a perfect 4th between C3 and F3, or F3 and A#4) open up possibilities for distinctive arpeggios, melodic patterns, and two-note voicings that would be difficult or impossible in standard tuning.
• Exploratory Shapes: This tuning encourages players to abandon traditional chord shapes and discover new voicings based on the open strings. Power chords and open-string drones will sound particularly unique due to the specific intervals.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant upward adjustments for all strings from standard EADGBE. Please note that tuning up by 3 or 4 semitones places considerable tension on the instrument's neck and bridge. For optimal playability, to minimize the risk of string breakage, and to prevent potential damage to your guitar, it is highly recommended to use a lighter gauge set of strings when applying this tuning.

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune up 4 semitones to G#3.
• String 5 (A String): Tune up 3 semitones to C3.
• String 4 (D String): Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• String 3 (G String): Tune up 3 semitones to A#4.
• String 2 (B String): Tune up 4 semitones to D#5.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune up 3 semitones to G4.

String 6: G3#

String 5: C3

String 4: F3

String 3: A4#

String 2: D5#

String 1: G4