The 'Dynamite Sire' tuning is a unique and intriguing setup for the guitar, designed to create a powerful and distinctive sonic landscape, as hinted by its name and original description, 'For my song dynamite sire :D. It's a cool lil tuning :3'. This tuning deviates significantly from standard, offering a blend of high-tension lower strings and reduced-tension upper strings, creating a challenging yet rewarding experience for the adventurous guitarist.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string, are: A#3, C3, F3, G3, A#4, C4. It's crucial to note the specific octave assignments: the 6th string (A#3) is tuned higher in absolute pitch than the 5th string (C3). This creates a very unconventional and wide interval between these two physical strings, with the 5th string's C3 acting as the lowest fundamental pitch in the open tuning.

When analyzing the collective open notes by ascending pitch (C3, F3, G3, A#3, C4, A#4), the tuning presents a rich collection of tones. These notes form an open voicing that can be interpreted as a powerful C minor 7th suspended 4th (C-F-G-A#/Bb). The presence of F (4th) and G (5th/9th) alongside the C and A# (Bb) creates a strong suspended and somewhat modal quality, full of tension and release potential. The doubled A# and C across different octaves provide a powerful, resonant drone effect, contributing to its 'dynamite' character.

Open Chords & Accessibility

Strumming all open strings produces a rich, full-bodied chord that immediately establishes the tuning's unique character – a resonant C minor 7th suspended 4th. This inherent open chord makes it ideal for songwriting that leverages a strong, foundational drone or a distinctive modal feel. The unusual string intervals, particularly between the 6th and 5th strings, create unexpected harmonic possibilities.

This unique layout suggests that simple barred chords or two-finger shapes will yield complex and interesting harmonies, often with a suspended or minor flavor. Power chords will gain extra harmonic depth from the sympathetic resonance of other open strings, and the combination of the low, higher-pitched A# (String 6) and the lowest C (String 5), combined with the higher G, A#, and C, will create opportunities for massive, resonant riffs and open string arpeggios that shimmer with tension and depth.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Dynamite Sire' tuning from standard E Standard tuning, follow these precise string movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 6 semitones to A#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 3 semitones to C3.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4.

Important Considerations for String Gauge:

• String 6 (+6 semitones): Tuning up by 6 semitones is a significant change. It is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string for the 6th string to prevent breakage and ensure proper tension and intonation.
• String 1 (-4 semitones): Tuning down by 4 semitones is also a substantial change. A lighter gauge string for the 1st string might be advisable to maintain good playability and prevent the string from feeling too loose or floppy.
• Strings 4 & 5 (+3 semitones): While these are within the typical safe range, tuning up 3 semitones adds noticeable tension. Monitor these strings for stability and intonation.