The "Heartfelt Open Tuning" is, as its original description suggests, a truly "beautiful tuning idea for electric guitar". This complex and expressive open tuning offers a rich sonic landscape, moving far beyond standard voicings to unlock unique harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This tuning presents a fascinating combination of notes:

• 6th String: G#2
• 5th String: F2
• 4th String: C#4
• 3rd String: C3
• 2nd String: G#4
• 1st String: F4

When played open, the strings produce the notes F2, G#2, C3, C#4, F4, G#4. This arrangement, analyzed from the lowest note (F2), reveals a sophisticated F minor 7b5 (half-diminished) chord. The notes translate to F (Root), Ab (minor 3rd, from G#), C (Perfect 5th), Db (minor 7th/flattened 5th, from C#), F (Octave), and Ab (minor 3rd an octave higher). This creates an inherently moody, bluesy, and somewhat jazzy character, making it ideal for textures that evoke introspection or tension.

The wide range, spanning from a low F2 to a high G#4, allows for deep, resonant bass notes alongside sparkling highs. The unique intervals and close voicings (like the C3 and C#4) mean that even simple strumming will yield complex harmonic results. Chords like various minor voicings, diminished, and altered dominant chords will be readily accessible and sound exceptionally rich, especially when utilizing the open strings as a foundation. Experimentation with slides and drones will uncover haunting qualities due to the blend of perfect and altered intervals.

Please note the significant string movements required for this tuning. Several strings are tuned substantially down, and one is tuned up. For optimal performance and to maintain proper string tension and intonation, consider using a different gauge string set, particularly for the 6th, 5th, and 3rd strings, which undergo extreme changes.

Current Tuning

Your guitar is currently tuned as follows, from the thickest (6th) string to the thinnest (1st) string:

• 6th String: G#2
• 5th String: F2
• 4th String: C#4
• 3rd String: C3
• 2nd String: G#4
• 1st String: F4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Heartfelt Open Tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune this string down 8 semitones to reach G#2. This is a very significant change (-8 semitones); for optimal tension and tone, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 5th String (A): Tune this string down 4 semitones to reach F2. This is a significant change (-4 semitones); for optimal tension and tone, a heavier gauge string is advised.
• 4th String (D): Tune this string down 1 semitone to reach C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune this string down 7 semitones to reach C3. This is a very significant change (-7 semitones); for optimal tension and tone, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
• 2nd String (B): Tune this string down 3 semitones to reach G#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune this string up 1 semitone to reach F4.