Verbal Analysis

This is the unique tuning specifically crafted for the song "Somebody Home" by Dave Crosby. It departs significantly from standard guitar tuning, creating a distinctive sonic palette. The combination of drastically altered bass strings and slightly adjusted trebles aims to produce a sound that is likely ethereal, melancholic, or perhaps provides a strong, unusual harmonic foundation crucial for the song's character. Players will find familiar chord shapes completely transformed, encouraging exploration of new voicings and melodic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings for this tuning are: A#2, A#3, D3, G3, C4, D4. Analyzing the intervals from low to high:

• String 6 (A#2) to String 5 (A#3): A perfect octave (P8). This creates a powerful, resonant, and thick foundation on A#.
• String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (D3): An ascending Major 6th. This is an unusual jump and significantly alters the harmonic landscape compared to standard tuning.
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): A perfect 4th (P4).
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (C4): A perfect 4th (P4). The D-G-C sequence on strings 4, 3, and 2 resembles a portion of standard tuning, which might allow some familiar fingerings within this segment.
• String 2 (C4) to String 1 (D4): A Major 2nd (M2), or a whole step.

The open string notes (A#, D, G, C) contain elements of a G minor 7th chord (G-Bb-D-F, here with C instead of F) or a Bb Major chord (Bb-D) with added extensions (G, C). Specifically, the open notes A#2, A#3, D3, G3, C4, D4 can be arranged as A#, C, D, G. This implies a highly suspended or jazz-influenced open voicing, potentially a Cmaj7sus4 (C-F-G-C-D), a Gsus4(add9) (G-C-D-G-A), or a G minor-ish quality due to the A#/Bb. The presence of two A# notes and two D notes provides a strong tonal center or drone effect, which is likely integral to the song's harmony. Chords such as open G minor or C suspended voicings might be within reach, but the predominant open sound will be unique to this specific tuning. Due to the extreme drop on the 6th string (-6 semitones), and a moderate drop on the 1st string (-2 semitones), players should be aware of potential string looseness and intonation challenges. The 6th string, in particular, would benefit from a heavier gauge string to maintain tension and clarity.

Open String Notes

• String 6 (Lowest Pitch): A#2
• String 5: A#3
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: C4
• String 1 (Highest Pitch): D4

How to Tune

To achieve the "Somebody Home Tuning" for your Guitar, follow these steps from standard EADGBe tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#2. Note: Tuning down 6 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for optimal performance and intonation.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.