Tuning Analysis: The Songweaver's Tuning

This unique tuning, described by its creator as being "for one of my songs. thought it sounded cool, enjoy!", offers a truly distinctive sonic palette. It ventures far beyond standard tunings, creating a rich and often haunting soundscape perfect for experimental or deeply emotive compositions. The wide range of notes and unusual intervals provide a foundation for complex harmonies and expansive textures.

Technical Breakdown

The open strings are tuned to C2 A#3 D#4 G3 B2 D#5.

• Overall Range: From the deep, resonant C2 on the 6th string to the bright, soaring D#5 on the 1st string, this tuning boasts an impressive three-octave-plus range, allowing for rich, full voicings and expansive melodic possibilities.
• Harmonic Landscape: Analyzing the open notes (C, A#, D#, G, B, D#), a clear G Major triad (G3 B2 D#4) emerges across the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (when considered in ascending order: B, D#, G). This provides a strong, consonant anchor within the tuning. The low C2 acts as a powerful pedal tone, creating a complex harmonic tension against the G Major triad. The A#3 (often perceived as Bb) and the high D#5 (an octave of D#4) add further layers, suggesting extensions and alterations that can lean towards a C Lydian dominant or even a C major 7#5 quality with added dissonances, offering both beauty and tension.
• Open Chords & Voicings:
  • Playing the open 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings immediately gives you a ringing G Major chord (D#, G, B).
  • Adding the 6th string (C2) underneath the G Major triad creates a powerful C chord with a major 7th and a sharp 5th (C G B D#), a truly unique and evocative voicing.
  • Due to the non-standard intervals, exploring barre chords across the fretboard will yield unexpected and exciting harmonic results, often revealing diminished, augmented, or highly extended jazz-like voicings, encouraging creative exploration.

How to Tune

Please be mindful of string tension when making significant changes. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down (whether positive or negative), considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to maintain proper playability, intonation, and prevent string breakage.

• 6th String (E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. This brings the string to the very edge of the recommended range for standard gauges; proceed with caution. A heavier gauge string might be advised for optimal tension and tone.
• 5th String (A to A#3): Tune up 1 semitones.
• 4th String (D to D#4): Tune up 1 semitones.
• 3rd String (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B to B2): Tune down 12 semitones. This is a substantial drop of an entire octave. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string to ensure proper tension, intonation, and tone quality.
• 1st String (E to D#5): Tune down 1 semitones.

Open String Notes:

• 6th String: C2
• 5th String: A#3
• 4th String: D#4
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B2
• 1st String: D#5