The "Days of Lantana" tuning is an exceptionally deep and resonant tuning, famously utilized by Ben Howard in his song of the same name. This custom setup creates a rich, atmospheric sound, perfect for intricate fingerstyle and expansive sonic textures.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning plunges most of the guitar's strings into a significantly lower register, creating a darker, more brooding sonic landscape compared to standard tuning. The open strings resonate with a complex, almost orchestral quality. The combination of A# (Bb), D, G, C, F, and a high F on the first string results in a sophisticated open voicing, hinting at a Bbadd9(add13) chord (Bb-D-F-G-C-F). This provides a rich harmonic foundation, making open strumming highly evocative.

Due to the dramatic lowering of multiple strings, familiar chord shapes will be completely recontextualized, opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities. The open F on the 2nd and 1st strings (an octave apart) allows for beautiful drone effects and leads, while the lowest strings provide a powerful, rumbling bass presence. This tuning is ideal for players looking to explore unique soundscapes and a signature, deep tone.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes from low to high are: A2#, D2, G2, C3, F3, F4. Let's break down the intervals:

• 6th String (A2#) to 5th String (D2): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• 5th String (D2) to 4th String (G2): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 4th String (G2) to 3rd String (C3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 3rd String (C3) to 2nd String (F3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 2nd String (F3) to 1st String (F4): Octave (12 semitones)

This unusual interval structure (M3-P4-P4-P4-Octave) creates a unique sonic fingerprint. The stacked perfect fourths provide a consistent and playable pattern across the middle strings, while the Major 3rd on the bottom and the octave on the top add distinctive character. The open strings themselves form a complex chord, primarily a Bbadd9(add13) (using A# as Bb), which offers a rich harmonic foundation without needing any fretting. This tuning encourages an exploration of open string voicings and innovative fingerings across the neck.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Days of Lantana" tuning, please follow these precise string movements. It is important to note that several strings require significant tuning adjustments, and caution should be exercised. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a heavier gauge string is generally advised for optimal tension, tone, and to prevent string breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): To reach the target note of A2#, tune down 6 semitones. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.
• 5th String (A): To reach the target note of D2, tune down 7 semitones from standard A. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.
• 4th String (D): To reach the target note of G2, tune down 7 semitones from standard D. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.
• 3rd String (G): To reach the target note of C3, tune down 7 semitones from standard G. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.
• 2nd String (B): To reach the target note of F3, tune down 6 semitones from standard B. Caution: This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal performance.
• 1st String (High E): To reach the target note of F4, tune up 1 semitone from standard E. This is a minor adjustment.

Always use a reliable tuner and make adjustments gradually. For tunings involving such extreme drops, a professional setup for your instrument is highly recommended to ensure proper intonation and playability.