This tuning, named G#GCFA#C, is a highly distinctive and custom tuning for the Guitar, famously utilized by Stefano Barzone in his song "Altalenanze." It crafts a unique soundscape that moves far beyond conventional guitar tunings, offering a blend of rich drones, dissonances, and unexpected harmonic potential.

Technical Analysis

The G#GCFA#C tuning is an exceptionally non-linear and wide-ranging configuration for the guitar. From the lowest physical string (String 6) to the highest (String 1), the absolute pitches are G3# - G2 - C3 - F3 - A4# - C4.

A deep dive into the intervals between adjacent open strings reveals its truly unconventional nature:

• String 6 (G3#) to String 5 (G2): The 6th string is an octave and a semitone (13 semitones) higher than the 5th string, creating a striking cross-string voicing.
• String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): A standard Perfect 4th interval (5 semitones up).
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): Another Perfect 4th interval (5 semitones up).
• String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A4#): A significant jump of 17 semitones, spanning a Major 6th plus an octave.
• String 2 (A4#) to String 1 (C4): The 1st string is a Minor 7th (10 semitones) lower than the 2nd string, another instance of inverse string pitch.

This highly irregular arrangement means the tuning is not geared towards easily strumming traditional open major or minor chords. Instead, it seems purposefully designed to unlock specific and unusual harmonic textures, dissonances, and complex melodic possibilities. The open strings offer:

• A core of G2-C3-F3 (Strings 5-4-3) which forms a G suspended 4th chord.
• The upper strings F3-A4#-C4 (Strings 3-2-1), where A4# is enharmonically B♭4, create a voicing resembling an F suspended 4th or a B♭ major chord (B♭ D F) without the D, possibly with an F in the bass.
• The overall pitch structure (G3#, G2, C3, F3, A4#, C4) presents a rich sonic palette that could be explored for drones, arpeggiated figures emphasizing wide intervals, and avant-garde compositional techniques.

The tuning's complexity makes it ideal for specialized musical pieces like "Altalenanze," where its unique tonal characteristics can be fully exploited to create atmospheric or experimental soundscapes.

How to Tune

To achieve the G#GCFA#C tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 4 semitones to G3#. Caution: Tuning this string up 4 semitones is a significant change. A different gauge string is strongly advised to prevent breakage or excessive neck tension.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A4#.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: Tuning this string down 4 semitones is a significant change. A different gauge string is advised for optimal tone and tension.

Always tune carefully and check your guitar's neck relief after making significant tuning changes.