The 'Holocene' tuning, famously used in the song 'Holocene' by Bon Iver, creates an ethereal and resonant soundscape, perfect for atmospheric and introspective compositions. This tuning is a substantial departure from standard guitar tuning, offering a unique sonic palette.

Technical Analysis:

The open notes for this tuning are C2-A2-D3-G3-B3-D4 (low to high). The most striking feature is the deeply lowered 6th string, brought down four semitones from E to C, providing a powerful, resonant bass foundation. The 1st string is also lowered two semitones from E to D, creating a unique intervallic relationship with the 2nd string.

While the open strings don't form a single traditional major or minor triad, the upper four strings (D3-G3-B3-D4) form a clear G Major chord (D as the 5th, G as the root, B as the 3rd, and D again as the 5th). This allows for bright, ringing G major voicings and drones. The addition of the A2 on the 5th string and the C2 on the 6th string introduces rich harmonic complexity, hinting at extended chords like Cmaj7add9 (C-G-B-D-A) or Gsus2/C.

This unique combination promotes open, sustained chord work typical of Bon Iver's atmospheric sound. The distinctive intervals, particularly the Major 6th between the 6th (C) and 5th (A) strings, will inspire unconventional chord shapes and melodic ideas, fostering a highly creative playing environment. Players can explore lush, open voicings with a deep, resonant bass, perfect for fingerstyle or ambient textures.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (low E string): C2
• String 5 (A string): A2
• String 4 (D string): D3
• String 3 (G string): G3
• String 2 (B string): B3
• String 1 (high E string): D4

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Holocene' tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), follow these specific string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C2. Warning: Tuning this string down by 4 semitones is a significant drop and will result in much lower string tension. For optimal playability and tone, especially if playing regularly in this tuning, a heavier gauge string is advised for the 6th string.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G to G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D4.