The Don Ross G# Tuning is a distinctive and complex alternate tuning primarily used by the renowned Canadian fingerstyle guitarist Don Ross. It deviates significantly from standard tuning, creating a rich, often dissonant, and highly resonant sound world. This tuning allows for unique voicings, open harmonies, and melodic possibilities that are characteristic of Ross's intricate compositions.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to G#2, F#3, A#3, B2, F#4, C#5. This arrangement presents several intriguing intervallic relationships:

• The lowest two strings (6th and 5th) form a minor seventh (G#2 to F#3).
• The 5th (F#3) and 4th (A#3) strings create a major third.
• Notably, the 3rd string (B2) is tuned significantly lower than the 4th string (A#3), creating a wide descending major seventh interval. This unusual arrangement is a hallmark of tunings designed for extended harmonic and melodic reach, often requiring specific fingerings that wouldn't be possible in standard or even common open tunings.
• The 3rd (B2) and 2nd (F#4) strings are separated by a tritone (an augmented fourth/diminished fifth), spanning two octaves.
• The 2nd (F#4) and 1st (C#5) strings also form a tritone.

When strummed open, the combination of notes – G#, B, C#, F#, A# – does not form a simple major or minor triad. Instead, it creates a rich, ambiguous, and somewhat dissonant cluster. It contains an F# major triad (F#3, A#3, C#5) within its upper register, grounded by a low G# and B. This sophisticated voicing is ripe for intricate fingerstyle arrangements, allowing for both percussive and melodic elements to shine through. The open F#s (F#3 and F#4) provide an octave anchor, while the low G# and B add significant harmonic depth.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Don Ross G# Tuning, you will need to adjust each string significantly from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning. Please exercise caution, especially with large downward adjustments, as string tension will decrease.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 8 semitones from E2 to G#2. *Caution: Tuning down 8 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.*
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones from A2 to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D3 to A#3. *Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a notable change. Consider a heavier gauge string.*
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 8 semitones from G3 to B2. *Caution: Tuning down 8 semitones is a significant change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and tone.*
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones from B3 to F#4. *Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a notable change. Consider a heavier gauge string.*
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E4 to C#5.

The tuning for your guitar is as follows, from the thickest (6th) string to the thinnest (1st) string:

• 6th String: G2#
• 5th String: F3#
• 4th String: A#3
• 3rd String: B2
• 2nd String: F4#
• 1st String: C5#