Tuning Analysis: Open Raga Zilaf

Verbal Description

The Open Raga Zilaf tuning transports your guitar into an exotic soundscape, reminiscent of classical Indian ragas and Middle Eastern melodies. With its distinctive interval structure of I-III-IV-V-♭VI (B, D#, E, F#, G), this tuning creates a unique modal palette. The presence of a Major third (D#) alongside a minor sixth (G) over a B root gives it a compelling blend of brightness and melancholy, perfect for crafting emotive and unconventional musical passages. It's an ideal tuning for exploring drone-based compositions, intricate melodic lines, and improvisations that evoke a truly global sound. Players will find themselves naturally gravitating towards sustained notes and melodic phrasing, rather than conventional chord strumming.

When played open, the tuning resonates with a strong B Major chord (B-D#-F#) across several strings, while the E and G strings add rich modal color. Specifically, the 6th, 5th, 4th, and 1st strings (B, B, D#, F#) naturally form a B Major chord. The 3rd string (E) can introduce a Bsus4 quality, and the 2nd string (G) contributes a Bmaj(add♭6) or Bmaj(G) sound, adding to its distinct character. This open voicing encourages experimentation with drones and arpeggios, opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities beyond standard Western scales. Common chord shapes will need to be re-envisioned, but the open strings themselves offer a rich harmonic foundation.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is based around a B root. The open strings are B1, B2, D#4, E3, G3, F#5. Analyzing the unique pitches relative to the lowest B (B1 on string 6), the intervallic structure across the open strings is as follows:

• String 6 (B1): Root (I)
• String 5 (B2): Octave (I)
• String 4 (D#4): Major 3rd (III)
• String 3 (E3): Perfect 4th (IV)
• String 2 (G3): Minor 6th (♭VI)
• String 1 (F#5): Perfect 5th (V)

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the Open Raga Zilaf tuning, you will need to adjust your strings as follows from standard EADGBe tuning. Please note the recommended semitone movements for each string. Significant changes (more than 4 semitones up or down) may require a different string gauge to prevent breakage or achieve optimal tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string may be advisable for best results and to maintain proper tension.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Warning: Tuning down 4 semitones is a substantial change; consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and playability.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#5.

Open String Notes

String 6 (Low E): B1

String 5 (A): B2

String 4 (D): D#4

String 3 (G): E3

String 2 (B): G3

String 1 (High E): F#5