The Ed Sheeran "Tenerife Sea" Capo 4 Tuning: G# C# F# G# D# G#

This unique guitar tuning, widely recognized for its use in Ed Sheeran's "Tenerife Sea," presents an intriguing harmonic landscape. While the tuning's name in the JSON refers to "E A D E B E - Capo 4," indicating a relative tonal center when a capo is applied, the actual open string pitches you will tune to are G# C# F# G# D# G#. This specific configuration is meticulously crafted to achieve the song's distinctive sound and allows for specific voicings when played with a capo at the 4th fret.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this is a highly resonant and somewhat melancholic open tuning. The prominent G# notes across the 6th, 3rd, and 1st strings create a powerful root foundation, allowing for a strong drone quality. The inclusion of C# (a perfect fourth above G#) and D# (a perfect fifth above G#) establishes a clear G#sus4 tonality. The F# on the 4th string introduces a minor seventh, giving the overall open sound a sophisticated G#m7sus4 character. This creates a rich, suspended harmony that feels both unresolved and deeply expressive.

Playing open chords will immediately produce a G#m7sus4 voicing, offering a full, ethereal sound perfect for atmospheric accompaniment. Standard chord shapes will be drastically altered, requiring players to explore new fingerings and shapes to discover the unique melodic and harmonic possibilities within this tuning. The close proximity of the 3rd string (G#) to its standard G note means a relatively minor adjustment here, but its effect is crucial in solidifying the G# tonic.

The specified use with a capo on the 4th fret for "Tenerife Sea" suggests that the *relative* intervals of E A D E B E become accessible or meaningful in that capo position. This allows for fingerings typically associated with standard tuning to produce the desired sounds, but elevated in pitch. The overall effect is bright, shimmering, and perfectly suited for intricate arpeggiated patterns or open strumming that require a complex, sustained harmony.

Technical Analysis

• Open Tuning Notes: G# C# F# G# D# G# (from low E to high E string).
• Root Note: G# (present on strings 6, 3, 1).
• Intervals from Root (G#):
  • 6th String (G#): Perfect Unison (Root)
  • 5th String (C#): Perfect 4th
  • 4th String (F#): Minor 7th
  • 3rd String (G#): Octave
  • 2nd String (D#): Perfect 5th
  • 1st String (G#): Octave
• Implied Open Chord: G#m7sus4 (G# - C# - D# - F#). This means strumming all open strings produces a rich, suspended minor seventh chord.
• Capo Usage: Designed to be played with a capo on the 4th fret. This elevates the overall pitch and likely simplifies chord shapes or allows for specific open string drones relative to the capo position.

How to Tune (from Standard E A D G B E)

Please proceed with caution, especially with larger semitone movements, as these can put significant tension on your guitar strings. If a string requires tuning up by more than 4 semitones or down by more than 4 semitones, it is generally advised to consider using a different gauge of strings to prevent damage to your instrument or strings.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 4 semitones from E to G#.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 4 semitones from A to C#.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 4 semitones from D to F#.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone from G to G#.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 4 semitones from B to D#.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 4 semitones from E to G#.

Ensure your guitar is in standard EADGBe tuning before beginning these adjustments, and always use a reliable tuner.

Here are the individual open string notes for this tuning:

• 6th String: G3# - The lowest string provides the foundational G# root.
• 5th String: C4# - A perfect fourth above the root, adding a suspended quality.
• 4th String: F4# - A minor seventh above the root, contributing to the bluesy/minor feel.
• 3rd String: G4# - An octave above the lowest G#, reinforcing the tonic.
• 2nd String: D5# - A perfect fifth above the root, providing harmonic stability.
• 1st String: G5# - The highest string, completing the octave above the lowest G#, giving brightness and sustain.