Tuning Analysis: Lindo Seren - MB (Open Aadd9)

This unique tuning, originally named 'Lindo Seren - MB' and described as a 'Riffmaker', presents a deep and resonant open A-based sound. It's clearly designed for creative riffing and atmospheric playing, offering a rich harmonic palette right from the open strings. The mention of 'F C F G C G used a lot too' hints at its versatility and purpose for open, drone-style compositions, similar to other non-standard tunings.

Verbal Analysis:

The Lindo Seren - MB tuning feels expansive and moody, characterized by significant drops in pitch on the higher strings. The open strings create an Aadd9 (without the 3rd) sonority, with a strong emphasis on the root (A), fifth (E), and ninth (B) intervals across different octaves. This gives it a drone-like quality, making it ideal for powerful, sustained chords and melodic lines that can weave in and out of the open string resonance.

The presence of the B on the 3rd and 1st strings adds a distinctive flavor, moving it beyond a simple open A major or minor. This suspended-like quality invites exploration of blues, folk, and alternative rock styles, where open string textures are paramount. The substantial down-tuning on multiple strings will result in a slacker feel, which can be advantageous for bending and expressive techniques, but might require a lighter touch or heavier gauge strings for clarity.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes for this tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest pitch):

• String 6: A1
• String 5: E2
• String 4: A2
• String 3: B2
• String 2: E3
• String 1: B3

When strummed open, these notes form an Aadd9 (no 3rd) chord (A-E-A-B-E-B). The intervals between the open strings are:

• String 6 (A1) to String 5 (E2): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (A2): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• String 4 (A2) to String 3 (B2): Major 2nd (+2 semitones)
• String 3 (B2) to String 2 (E3): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• String 2 (E3) to String 1 (B3): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)

The most striking aspect technically is the significant drop in pitch for the higher strings. Strings 3, 2, and 1 are tuned down by 8, 7, and 5 semitones respectively. Such extreme changes will drastically reduce string tension. For optimal tone, intonation, and playability, particularly on strings 3, 2, and 1 where movements exceed 4 semitones downwards, a heavier gauge string set is highly recommended to maintain tension and avoid a 'floppy' feel.

Chord Opportunities:

• Open Strings: The open tuning produces an Aadd9 (no 3rd), providing a rich, suspended-like A chord that is inherently resonant.
• Barre Chords: A single barre across all strings at any fret will yield a transposed Aadd9 (no 3rd) chord (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret = Badd9, 3rd fret = Cadd9), offering easy access to a wide range of consonant harmonies.
• Drone Potential: The repeating A and E notes, along with the consistent B, make this tuning excellent for drone-based music, where two or more strings can be strummed open while melodies are played on others, creating a full and sustained soundscape.
• Power Chords: The 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (A E A) naturally form an A5 power chord, making heavy, driving riffs easy to execute with minimal effort.
• Sus Chords: The inherent presence of the B (2nd/9th) means many chord shapes will naturally lead to suspended (sus2 or sus4) sonorities, adding a modern and open feel to compositions, avoiding the need for complex fingerings to achieve these sounds.

Open String Notes:

String 6 (Lowest): A1
String 5: E2
String 4: A2
String 3: B2
String 2: E3
String 1 (Highest): B3

How to Tune:

Please note the significant semitone drops on the higher strings. For optimal playability and intonation, especially with movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), consider using heavier gauge strings for String 3, String 2, and String 1.

• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones to A1.
• String 5: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 3: Tune down 8 semitones to B2. *Caution: Large drop, heavier gauge recommended.*
• String 2: Tune down 7 semitones to E3. *Caution: Large drop, heavier gauge recommended.*
• String 1: Tune down 5 semitones to B3. *Caution: Large drop, heavier gauge recommended.*