This is the unique and evocative tuning used by Andy McKee in his piece "Dependent Arising." It's characterized by a deep, resonant sound achieved through significant downtuning across most strings, creating a rich harmonic landscape ideal for ambient and intricate fingerstyle compositions.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to A1-E2-G2-C3-B3-D4 (from lowest to highest string). This unique configuration forms a complex and rich open chord, specifically an A minor 11 (A-C-E-G-B-D). The layering of a perfect fifth (A-E), minor third (E-G), perfect fourth (G-C), major seventh/minor second (C-B), and a minor third (B-D) creates a highly textured and ambient sound that is both dissonant and harmonious when strummed or arpeggiated.

• The lowest three strings (A1-E2-G2) establish a resonant foundation hinting at an A minor 7 chord.
• Adding the 4th string (C3) completes a full A minor 7 chord (A-C-E-G), providing a strong harmonic base.
• The 2nd string (B3) introduces a major second or ninth, adding sparkle and a characteristic tension that pushes the harmony beyond a simple minor chord.
• The 1st string (D4) completes the A minor 11, offering a soaring, ethereal quality that floats above the lower register.

This varied interval spacing allows for unique voicings and extended harmonic possibilities, especially for fingerstyle playing where individual notes can ring out and interact in captivating ways.

Chords and Playability

With the open strings forming an A minor 11 chord, this tuning immediately provides a deep, resonant, and somewhat melancholic or introspective quality. It's exceptionally well-suited for:

• Ambient Fingerstyle: The full, extended open chord lends itself perfectly to arpeggiated patterns and sustained notes, creating a shimmering, evolving soundscape.
• Drone Chords: The low A and E strings can serve as powerful drones, allowing for melodies and harmonies to be built over them, particularly in an A minor context.
• Minor Key Compositions: While flexible, the inherent A minor 11 suggests a natural fit for compositions in A minor or related modes, offering a rich starting point for melodic exploration.

Moving beyond the open chord, the unique intervals between strings mean that familiar chord shapes will yield entirely new and often surprising voicings. Barre chords on the lower strings will produce powerful, deep harmonies, while the closer intervals on the higher strings can facilitate intricate melodic work and the dissonant clusters common in modern fingerstyle guitar.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Dependent Arising" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these precise movements for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones from E2 to A1. (Note: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and tone.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. (Note: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and tone.)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 7 semitones from D3 to G2. (Note: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and tone.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 7 semitones from G3 to C3. (Note: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain tension and tone.)
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune carefully and check intonation after making significant changes to ensure proper playability and prevent string breakage.