The "Sumac" tuning is an adventurous and deeply resonant setup designed for a guitar, as described by its user who appreciates the loose strings and their buzz against the body. This tuning ventures far from standard, offering a unique sonic landscape characterized by significant pitch jumps and a rich, open harmonic structure.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes of the Sumac tuning are as follows, from low to high:

• 6th String (low E equivalent): G♯3
• 5th String (A equivalent): F♯3
• 4th String (D equivalent): B2
• 3rd String (G equivalent): D3
• 2nd String (B equivalent): F♯4
• 1st String (high E equivalent): B3

This tuning is highly distinctive due to its scattered nature across octaves and the significant intervallic leaps between adjacent strings. When played open, the tuning strongly presents a B minor 6 chord (B, D, F#, G#) with doubled root (B) and fifth (F#). The specific voicing includes: B2 (4th string), D3 (3rd string), F#3 (5th string), G#3 (6th string), B3 (1st string), and F#4 (2nd string).

The arrangement creates large intervallic jumps:

• Between 6th (G♯3) and 5th (F♯3): A whole step down.
• Between 5th (F♯3) and 4th (B2): A perfect 5th down.
• Between 4th (B2) and 3rd (D3): A minor 3rd up.
• Between 3rd (D3) and 2nd (F♯4): A major 3rd plus an octave up (16 semitones), creating a dramatic leap in pitch.
• Between 2nd (F♯4) and 1st (B3): A perfect 4th plus an octave down (17 semitones), another significant drop.

This configuration means that many standard chord shapes will be entirely different or unusable. However, it opens up new possibilities for droning, open string harmonics, and creating rich, suspended textures. The overall sound will likely be deep and resonant, with the stated "buzzing" quality adding to its unique character, particularly on the lower-tension strings.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Sumac tuning from standard EADGBe, please follow these specific string adjustments:

• 6th String: Tune up 4 semitones. (Note: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant adjustment; consider using a heavier gauge string or exercising caution to prevent string breakage.)
• 5th String: Tune down 3 semitones.
• 4th String: Tune down 3 semitones.
• 3rd String: Tune down 5 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid excessive looseness and buzzing beyond the intended effect.)
• 2nd String: Tune down 5 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid excessive looseness and buzzing beyond the intended effect.)
• 1st String: Tune down 5 semitones. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and avoid excessive looseness and buzzing beyond the intended effect.)

The user's preference for strings being "so loose that they buzz against the wooden body" aligns with the significant detuning of multiple strings. However, for playability and to prevent buzzing from becoming an issue, for strings tuned down 5 semitones, a heavier gauge string is generally recommended. For the string tuned up 4 semitones, caution is advised due to increased tension.