The "Ghost" tuning for Guitar is an intriguing and highly resonant setup, designed to evoke an ethereal and spacious sonic landscape. With its deep, droning low end and wide intervals, this tuning lends itself beautifully to atmospheric music, haunting melodies, and complex harmonic textures. It's a departure from standard tuning, offering a fresh palette for songwriters and instrumentalists looking to explore non-traditional sounds.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to B1 - B2 - D3 - G3 - A3 - D4 (from lowest to highest string). This unique configuration features an octave relationship between the 6th (B1) and 5th (B2) strings, creating a powerful, resonant drone that underpins the entire tuning. The presence of two D notes (D3 and D4) further reinforces this sense of openness and sustain, while the B notes establish a dark, root foundation.

Harmonically, the open strings contain the notes B, D, G, and A. While not forming a simple major or minor triad directly, they hint at a rich, modal sound. The combination of B, D, G suggests a G major chord (G-B-D) with a very low B root, or aspects of a B minor sound (B-D with an added G and A). The tuning's structure makes it conducive to open voicings and suspended chords. For instance, an open strum naturally creates a B-based sonority with elements of G and A, perfect for melancholic or contemplative passages. Chords such as an open Bsus4-like voicing (B-B-D-G-A-D) or G major chords become readily available and resonant due to the open string interplay.

Due to the significant changes from standard tuning, particularly the extremely low B1 on the 6th string, this tuning encourages a different approach to chord shapes and fretboard navigation. Power chords built off the 6th and 5th strings will have an immense depth and growl. Melodies played on the higher strings can float above the rich harmonic bed, creating a layered and full sound, ideal for ambient and experimental genres.

How to Tune to Ghost Tuning:

Please note that the 6th string requires a significant drop in pitch. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different gauge string is generally advised to ensure optimal tension and avoid potential string breakage or intonation issues. Always tune carefully and gradually.

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. (Caution: This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and tone.)
• String 5 (A string): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2.
• String 4 (D string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• String 3 (G string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E string): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.