The DGF#BDB tuning, affectionately described as "that one 'mourn - vs self' tune", offers a deep, resonant, and often melancholic soundscape. It diverges significantly from standard guitar tuning, creating unique harmonic possibilities and demanding an exploratory approach from the player. This tuning is ideal for atmospheric music, fingerstyle pieces seeking a dark texture, or compositions that benefit from open, droning strings.

Technical Analysis:

• Open Notes: The strings are tuned to B1, D3, B2, F3, G3, D4. This is a highly unconventional arrangement, featuring a wide range of pitches across the fretboard.
• Low End Resonance: The lowest three strings (B1, D3, B2) create a powerful, resonant foundation. The octave jump from the 6th string (B1) to the 4th string (B2) with the D3 in between provides a rich, almost piano-like depth.
• Striking Intervals: A prominent feature is the tritone (augmented fourth) between the 4th string (B2) and the 3rd string (F3). This inherently dissonant interval contributes heavily to the 'mournful' and introspective quality of the tuning.
• Harmonic Structure: The open strings contain the notes B, D, F, and G. This specific collection of notes can be interpreted in several ways:
  • As a G Major 7th chord (G-B-D-F) with the B in the bass (Gmaj7/B).
  • As a B diminished 6th chord (B-D-F-G).
  This suggests a sound that is rich in color, capable of expressing both tension and resolution in unique ways.
• High String Utility: The 2nd (G3) and 1st (D4) strings form a perfect fifth, a standard and harmonically strong interval that remains familiar amidst the more exotic lower strings.

Open String Chords & Voicings:

• The open tuning itself forms a complex, rich chord (Gmaj7/B or Bdim6), allowing for immediate harmonic interest without fretting. This makes it excellent for drone-based compositions.
• Due to the drastic changes from standard tuning, traditional chord shapes will not translate directly. Players will be encouraged to discover new voicings and melodic patterns, particularly leveraging the strong intervals and resonant low strings.
• The arrangement invites exploration of open string accompaniment to fretted melodies, creating a spacious and ethereal sound.

How to Tune:

To achieve the DGF#BDB tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe tuning as follows. Please take care, especially with significant pitch changes:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change, a different gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.)
• 5th String (A): Tune up 5 semitones from A2 to D3. (Note: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change, a different gauge string is advised for optimal tension and to prevent string breakage.)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. (Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a notable change, please take care when adjusting.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.