How to Tune Your Guitar to Rare Keys: F F F F E B

Tuning a guitar to the unusual keys of F F F F E B can be a challenging but rewarding experience, often utilized by certain genres of music such as progressive rock, avant-garde, and psychedelic rock. This unique tuning requires precise knowledge and understanding of musical intervals and fret positioning. Below, we provide a detailed guide on how to achieve this tuning.

Understanding the Standard Tuning

Before diving into the tuning process, it’s essential to have a reference point. A standard guitar is tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and e from the lowest string to the highest.

Tuning Steps

6th String E

The tuning process begins with the 6th string. To tune it to F, follow these steps:

Using a Tuner: Use a chromatic tuner, smartphone app, or pitch pipe to ensure the exact pitch. Slowly turn the tuning peg to lower the pitch from E to F.

Matching with Frets: Alternatively, you can tune the 6th string to the 2nd fret of the 6th string, which is naturally an F note.

5th String A

The 5th string should also be tuned to F. This can be achieved by:

Using a Tuner: Tune the 5th string to a precise F note.

Matching with Frets: Another method is to tune the 5th string to the 4th fret of the 6th string, which is an F note.

4th String D

The 4th string needs to be tuned to F. This can be done by:

Using a Tuner: Use a tuner to set the 4th string at the correct pitch of F.

Matching with Frets: You can also tune the 4th string to the 11th fret of the 5th string (which is A), resonating an F note.

3rd String G

The 3rd string should be tuned to F, achieved by:

Using a Tuner: Tune the 3rd string to the exact pitch of F.

Matching with Frets: Alternatively, tune the 3rd string to the 9th fret of the 4th string (which is D), producing an F note.

2nd String B

The 2nd string (B) should remain as B, no change is needed.

1st String e

The 1st string (e) should also remain as E, no change is required.

Summary of the Tuning

6th String: F (2nd fret)
5th String: F (4th fret of 6th string)
4th String: F (11th fret of 5th string)
3rd String: F (9th fret of 4th string)
2nd String: B (no change)
1st String: E (no change)

Alternative Tuning Method

Barrie suggests an alternative method where you can tune the 4th and 6th strings to the notes F below their proper notes to stabilize the instrument. This method involves:

6th String E: Raise 2 frets to F

4th String D: Raise 4 frets to F

3rd String G: Lower 1 fret to F

2nd String B: Lower 7 frets to E

1st String e: Lower 5 frets to B

This method is particularly useful if you're tuning for Sonic Youth-related reasons or any similar music that demands unusual tunings.

Conclusion

While tuning a guitar to F F F F E B might seem daunting at first, with practice and precision, it becomes an achievable task. Whether you choose the standard method or the alternative, make sure to use a reliable tuner and take your time with each string to achieve the perfect sound. Happy playing!