Verbal and Technical Analysis:

This distinctive tuning, directly associated with Haley Heynderickx's song "No Face," creates a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic soundscape, centered around a D minor tonality. The arrangement of the open strings deviates significantly from standard tuning, inviting unique chord voicings and melodic possibilities characteristic of a contemplative, folk-inspired style.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to A#2, A2, D3, F3, A3, D4, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string. The core of this tuning immediately presents a strong open D minor chord (D-F-A-D) across the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings. The 5th string reinforces this by providing an A2, which is the perfect fifth of D minor. However, the most defining characteristic and the source of its unique tension lies in the lowest string, tuned to A#2 (enharmonically Bb2). This creates an immediate minor second interval with the adjacent A2 on the 5th string (A# - A), producing a dark, slightly dissonant, and intriguing harmonic texture. This interval, often found in blues or more modal contexts, gives the tuning its distinctive flavor and hints at deeper harmonic possibilities beyond simple triads.

With this open tuning, a straightforward D minor chord is readily available by strumming the top five or four strings, potentially muting the 6th string to remove the A#/Bb dissonance if desired. The presence of the A# (Bb) on the lowest string allows for bass notes that can radically alter the chord's feel; for example, including it might give a Dm(add b6) character or suggest a Lydian-flat7 or Phrygian mode feel depending on context. Experimentation with the low A# string can lead to unexpected and rich harmonies, moving beyond simple major/minor paradigms into more modal or chromatic territories. Barre chords across the top D-F-A-D formation will retain a minor quality, while the adaptable lowest string can be fretted to provide various bass notes, opening up a wide array of harmonic options and allowing for creative melodic movement in the bass.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Haley Heynderickx - No Face" tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string. These movements are typically referenced from a standard EADGBe tuning unless otherwise specified by the original source:

• String 6 (Low E to A#2): Tune down 6 semitones. The final note for this string will be A#2.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The final note for this string will be A2.
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The final note for this string will be D3.
• String 3 (G to F3): Tune down 2 semitones. The final note for this string will be F3.
• String 2 (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones. The final note for this string will be A3.
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones. The final note for this string will be D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: Please exercise caution when tuning. For the 6th string, which requires tuning down 6 semitones, it is strongly recommended to consider using a different string gauge to avoid potential string damage, string slackness, or intonation issues due to the significant drop in tension. For large upward or downward tunings (exceeding 4 semitones), a string re-gauging is generally advisable to ensure optimal playability and string longevity.

Open String Notes:

String 6: A#2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: F3

String 2: A3

String 1: D4