The tuning presented, affectionately named "Kaylynne" by Mikkel J. as a dedication, offers a truly unique and expressive sonic landscape for the guitar. This deeply customized tuning moves far beyond conventional structures, inviting exploration of rich, resonant textures and surprising voicings.

Technical Breakdown

This tuning establishes a foundational resonance around the note B, creating a B-centric sound world. The open string notes are:

• String 6 (Low E): B1
• String 5 (A): E2
• String 4 (D): B2
• String 3 (G): F4#
• String 2 (B): G4#
• String 1 (High E): B3

Analyzing the intervals between the open strings reveals a distinctive harmonic structure:

• String 6 (B1) to String 5 (E2): A perfect 4th (5 semitones) – providing a classic strong bass interval.
• String 5 (E2) to String 4 (B2): Another perfect 4th (5 semitones), reinforcing the strong, open resonance.
• String 4 (B2) to String 3 (F4#): A massive jump of 19 semitones (an octave and a perfect 5th)! This creates a dramatic ascent in pitch, moving from a low B to a high F# and significantly altering the guitar's usual string-to-string relationship.
• String 3 (F4#) to String 2 (G4#): A whole step (2 semitones) – a relatively close voicing in the higher register.
• String 2 (G4#) to String 1 (B3): A significant descent of 9 semitones. This is highly unconventional, as the highest string (String 1) is tuned lower in pitch than the string next to it (String 2). This inverted relationship in the treble strings will create unique inversions and chord voicings that are not possible in standard tunings.

The combined open notes are B, E, F#, G#. This configuration effectively forms a B6sus4 chord (B - E - F# - G#), rich with a suspended 4th and a major 6th. The open voicing across the strings is B1 E2 B2 F4# G4# B3. The repeated B notes provide a strong drone, while the high F# and G# introduce brightness and color. This tuning's inverted treble strings (G4# on String 2, B3 on String 1) open up possibilities for fascinating arpeggios and voicings, where strumming across the higher strings might reveal descending melodic lines or unexpected harmonic clusters. Chords that might be "within reach" include various B sus and B6 shapes, as well as unique inversions due to the unusual string 1 pitch. Exploring drone-based compositions and intricate fingerstyle patterns would likely yield compelling results.

How to Tune "Kaylynne"

Achieving the "Kaylynne" tuning requires significant adjustments from standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Please proceed with care and use a reliable tuner. For strings with large pitch changes (more than 4 semitones up or down), consider using a different gauge string to ensure proper tension and prevent breakage.

• String 6 (Lowest String): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. This is a substantial drop and a different gauge string is advised.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. This is also a substantial drop and a different gauge string is advised.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G String): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#. While this is a minor semitone change, note the significant jump in octave from a typical G3 to F4#. This suggests a higher gauge string may be necessary to safely achieve F4# if starting from a standard G3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 3 semitones to G4#. Similar to String 3, achieving G4# from a standard B3 implies a significant overall pitch adjustment upwards, despite the -3 semitone movement described. Consider a higher gauge string.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. This is a substantial drop, and a different gauge string is advised. It also results in this string being lower than String 2 and String 3.

This extreme range, particularly the high pitches of strings 3 and 2, and the unusual order of the highest strings, are key characteristics of "Kaylynne". Listen carefully and proceed with caution.

Tuning Notes

Here are the specific notes for each string of the "Kaylynne" tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• String 6 (Lowest): B1 - The lowest B on the guitar, offering a deep, resonant foundation.
• String 5: E2 - A low E, providing a full, rich bass response.
• String 4: B2 - An octave above String 6, maintaining the B root.
• String 3: F4# - A high F sharp, significantly higher than its adjacent lower strings.
• String 2: G4# - A high G sharp, closely voiced with String 3.
• String 1 (Highest): B3 - An unusual placement, as this string is tuned lower than String 2 and String 3, contributing to the tuning's unique harmonic character.