Verbal Analysis

This tuning, based on an A# Diminished chord, offers a unique and distinct sonic landscape. When strummed open, it evokes a tense, melancholic, or mysterious atmosphere rather than a bright or powerful one. The inherent dissonance of a diminished chord suggests applications in genres requiring an unsettling or avant-garde feel, such as blues, jazz, experimental music, or cinematic scoring. The creator's comment, "Tried it by ear, it sounded good," highlights its intriguing character, perhaps appealing to those seeking sounds beyond conventional major or minor harmonies.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this tuning are A#2, A#3, C#4, F3, A#4, C#5 (from low E to high e string equivalents). Rearranging them by pitch, we get A#2, F3, A#3, C#4, A#4, C#5. These notes collectively form an A# Diminished triad (A# - C# - F), with various octaves and repetitions. This structure is rare for an open tuning and provides a strong, consistent diminished harmony across all strings.

• The low A#2 (6th string equivalent) and A#3 (5th string equivalent) establish a strong, resonant root foundation, with the 5th string being an octave above the 6th.
• The C#4 (4th string equivalent) and C#5 (1st string equivalent) provide the minor third of the A# diminished chord, while the F3 (3rd string equivalent) delivers the crucial diminished fifth, completing the chord's unique character.
• Unusual intervals such as the diminished fifth (A#2 to F3) and augmented fourth (F3 to A#3) are present, contributing significantly to the tuning's distinct, tense quality.

Open Chords & Shapes

The most obvious open chord is A# diminished. Due to the symmetrical nature of diminished chords, this tuning opens up possibilities for easy transposition. By barring all strings at any fret, you will produce another diminished chord. For example, barring at the 1st fret yields B diminished, and at the 4th fret, D diminished. This makes it straightforward to explore diminished progressions or create dissonant arpeggios that resolve into other keys. The octaves on the A# and C# notes provide a full, ringing quality to the diminished harmony.

How to Tune

Please note that the semitone movements described below are based directly on the provided instructions and imply a specific starting point. Always exercise caution when tuning, especially with significant changes.

• String 6 (Low E string equivalent): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2. Caution: This is a significant drop beyond 4 semitones. Consider using a heavier gauge string to avoid excessive slack or if your starting note is standard E.
• String 5 (A string equivalent): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D string equivalent): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G string equivalent): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B string equivalent): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• String 1 (High E string equivalent): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

String 6 (Low): A#2 - The lowest note, providing a deep, foundational root for the A# diminished chord, setting a dark and resonant base.

String 5: A#3 - An octave above the 6th string, strongly reinforcing the low root with added clarity and resonance.

String 4: C#4 - The minor third of the A# diminished chord, essential for contributing to its characteristic tense and slightly unsettling quality.

String 3: F3 - The crucial diminished fifth of the A# diminished chord, defining its unique and inherently unstable sound, central to the tuning's character.

String 2: A#4 - Another octave of the root, adding brightness and sustain to the overall harmony at a higher register.

String 1 (High): C#5 - An octave above the 4th string, reinforcing the minor third at the highest register for a piercing and prominent quality within the diminished harmony.