"Angels" tuning, as crafted by Mr. Howl, is a highly distinctive custom tuning for your Guitar that promises a profound, resonant sound with a unique harmonic character. The deep B1 on the 6th string establishes an almost baritone foundation, immediately setting a powerful and expansive mood.

Verbal Analysis

A striking characteristic of this tuning is the extended sequence of perfect fifths across strings 5 through 2 (F#3 - C#4 - G#4 - C#5). This creates an incredibly open and resonant harmonic landscape, perfect for crafting ambient textures, ringing drones, and robust power chords. This structure, which is somewhat reminiscent of instruments like the mandocello or specific bass tunings, encourages broad, open voicings and allows for fluid movement across the fretboard while maintaining a consistent harmonic interval. The relationship between the lowest string (B1) and the next (F#3), also a perfect fifth across two octaves, further enhances this open quality.

The tuning culminates with a unique dynamic on the top strings: the 1st string is tuned to D4, which is a significant 14 semitones lower than the 2nd string's C#5. This dramatic descending interval breaks the upward progression, offering a distinctive drop-off for melodic lines or an unexpected harmonic cluster when strummed openly. This creates a wide, full-sounding chord with a high internal tension, as the D4 sits below the C#5. Open chords in "Angels" will naturally have a massive, rich sound, often implying suspended qualities, extended harmonies, or complex voicings due to the prevalence of perfect fifths and this specific top-end configuration. Players can explore rich, droning harmonies by strumming strings 5-2, potentially adding the B1 for a deep bass, or utilizing the C#5-D4 for a shimmering, yet stark, high-register effect.

Technical Analysis

The "Angels" tuning sets your guitar's strings to the following notes, from lowest (6th) to highest (1st):

• String 6: B1
• String 5: F#3 (a perfect fifth above B1, spanning two octaves)
• String 4: C#4 (a perfect fifth above F#3)
• String 3: G#4 (a perfect fifth above C#4)
• String 2: C#5 (a perfect fifth above G#4)
• String 1: D4 (a major ninth or 14 semitones below C#5)

The prevalence of perfect fifths (F#3-C#4-G#4-C#5) on the middle strings creates a powerful and harmonically consistent core, ideal for open, sustained chords and melodic intervals. The substantial drop from C#5 to D4 on the highest strings is a unique feature, allowing for surprising melodic phrasing and rich, complex open voicings that combine both harmony and unexpected dissonance.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Angels" tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Please note: Tuning down by 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitones to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 1 semitones to G#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

String 6: B1

String 5: F#3

String 4: C#4

String 3: G#4

String 2: C#5

String 1: D4