Verbal Analysis:

This intriguing tuning, named "Hardanger Sympathetic Drone (Lower Half)", is an experimental approach designed specifically for one half of a 12-string guitar, directly inspired by the resonant qualities of the Norwegian Hardanger fiddle. It doesn't aim for conventional Western harmony but rather seeks to create a unique soundscape filled with sympathetic resonance and drone effects. The most striking element is the highly dissonant minor second interval between the two lowest strings (B1 and C2). This creates a deep, tense, and almost 'buzzing' foundation, which is crucial for achieving the characteristic sympathetic vibrations of traditional folk instruments. This setup cultivates an ethereal, often haunting or shimmering atmosphere, perfectly suited for folk, ambient, or experimental music where textural depth and resonant overtones are prioritized over typical chordal structures.

The tuning features unusual string tension and pitch relationships, particularly the significant downward pitch jump from String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (A3). This non-linear string progression challenges conventional guitar playing techniques and opens up new avenues for innovative voicings and melodic patterns that would be impossible in standard tunings. Despite its experimental nature, the higher strings (D3, F#4, A3, D4) subtly outline a D Major sound. This allows for moments of consonant beauty and clarity to emerge amidst the more dissonant and richly resonant textures, offering a dynamic contrast within the overall sonic palette.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes, from String 6 (lowest pitch) to String 1 (highest pitch), are: B1, C2, D3, F4#, A3, D4. This tuning exhibits a highly unconventional intervallic structure between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (B1) to String 5 (C2): A highly dissonant Minor 2nd (1 semitone). This very tight interval is the core of the tuning's sympathetic resonance design, intended to create a 'buzz' or sustained tension.
• String 5 (C2) to String 4 (D3): A remarkably wide Major 9th (14 semitones). This creates a significant, almost two-octave jump in pitch between these two strings.
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (F4#): Another substantial leap, a Major 10th (16 semitones).
• String 3 (F4#) to String 2 (A3): A striking downward Minor 6th (9 semitones down). This inverted jump means the 3rd string is considerably higher in pitch than the 2nd string, completely reconfiguring typical fingerboard logic and chord voicings.
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): A standard Perfect 4th (5 semitones).

When played open, the lowest two strings (B1, C2) create a potent, sustained tension that serves as a drone. The upper four strings (D3, F4#, A3, D4) collectively form a D Major triad (D, F#, A) across different octaves, offering a contrasting bright, consonant core within the resonant framework. Due to the extreme and inverted intervals, standard guitar chord shapes will be heavily re-contextualized, and players will discover new, unique open and fretted chord possibilities. Open string chords might revolve around D Major or B minor/Phrygian voicings, profoundly influenced by the ringing C2 drone.

Open String Notes:

String 6: B1
String 5: C2
String 4: D3
String 3: F4#
String 2: A3
String 1: D4

How to Tune:

To achieve the Hardanger Sympathetic Drone (Lower Half) tuning, adjust your strings according to the specified movements. The implied starting note for each string, based on the final tuning note and the semitone movement, is provided:

• String 6 (Target B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This implies your 6th string should already be at B1.
• String 5 (Target C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This movement suggests you are tuning from an E2 to C2.
• String 4 (Target D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This means your 4th string should already be at D3.
• String 3 (Target F4#): Tune down 1 semitone. This movement suggests you are tuning from a G4 to F4#.
• String 2 (Target A3): Tune down 2 semitones. This movement suggests you are tuning from a B3 to A3.
• String 1 (Target D4): Tune down 2 semitones. This movement suggests you are tuning from an E4 to D4.

Important Note on String Gauges: Tuning a string significantly up or down from its standard pitch can impact string tension and longevity. While this tuning involves a significant drop of 4 semitones on String 5, the recommendation for a different string gauge generally applies to movements *exceeding* 4 semitones (e.g., -5, -6 or +5, +6 semitones). Always tune carefully, listen to your instrument, and consider professional advice for extreme changes.