This is a classic Open D Major tuning for the guitar, revered for its rich, resonant sound and its natural suitability for slide and fingerstyle playing. The specified notes for this tuning are A1 D2 A2 D3 F#4 A3. While the initial description mentions an intention for a lower F#3 on the second string, the provided note list specifies F#4, which places the major third of the chord an octave higher, contributing to a brighter, more chimey overall voicing compared to a lower F#.

Verbal Analysis:

Open D Major is a cornerstone tuning for many styles, particularly blues, folk, and country, due to its ability to instantly form a D major chord when strummed openly. This creates a strong, foundational sound that resonates deeply. The significant detuning of all strings—ranging from 5 to 7 semitones down from standard EADGBe—results in noticeably lower string tension. This can facilitate easier string bending and enhance sustain, making it ideal for expressive playing. However, such substantial drops in pitch generally necessitate the use of heavier gauge strings to maintain proper intonation, prevent excessive buzzing, and ensure adequate string tension. Its adoption by artists like Nick Harper, as noted for "Verse That Time Forgot," underscores its utility for crafting intricate and emotionally charged musical textures.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning A1 D2 A2 D3 F#4 A3 explicitly spells out a D Major chord (D - F# - A) across the open strings. The harmonic structure is as follows:

• String 6 (A1): The fifth of D.
• String 5 (D2): The root of D.
• String 4 (A2): The fifth of D.
• String 3 (D3): The root of D.
• String 2 (F#4): The major third of D.
• String 1 (A3): The fifth of D.

This configuration provides a rich, full-bodied D major chord. A key advantage of open tunings like this is the simplification of playing major chords; a single barre across all strings at any fret will produce a major chord. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret would yield an E Major chord, at the 3rd fret an F Major, and so forth. The inherent consonant intervals also lend themselves well to adapting other common chord shapes and exploring drone effects, making it highly versatile for creative composition and improvisation.

Here are the target notes for each string in this Open D Major tuning:

• String 6: A1
• String 5: D2
• String 4: A2
• String 3: D3
• String 2: F#4
• String 1: A3

How to Tune:

To achieve this Open D Major tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully adjust each string as follows. Given that all strings are tuned down significantly (exceeding 4 semitones), using heavier gauge strings is highly advisable to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent excessive string buzz.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones to A1. (Original E2, tune down to A1)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. (Original A2, tune down to D2)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Original D3, tune down to A2)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. (Original G3, tune down to D3)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. (Original B3, tune down to F#4. Note: Tuning standard B3 down 5 semitones typically results in F#3. The specified target note F#4 is an octave higher, which suggests either an unusual starting point for the string or a specific higher octave is intended for this tuning.)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. (Original E4, tune down to A3)