The "Aerial Boundaries" tuning for Guitar is a captivating and distinctive setup created by the legendary Michael Hedges for the title track of his iconic album. While sharing a conceptual similarity with DADGAD in its open, resonant quality, this tuning ventures into a unique sonic landscape.

Technical Analysis & Open Chords

The open strings are tuned to C2 C3 D3 G3 A3 D4. This creates a rich, complex harmony not immediately identifiable as a standard major or minor chord, but rather a C-centric open voicing. The doubled C notes (C2 on the 6th string and C3 on the 5th string) provide a powerful, deep drone and root for the tuning. The D and G notes further build upon this, forming elements of a C suspended 2nd chord (C-D-G). The A on the 2nd string acts as a major 6th, adding a lyrical and open quality to the overall sound. This tuning is ideally suited for intricate fingerstyle compositions, allowing for fluid melodic lines and expansive harmonic textures that resonate with a characteristic Hedges-esque brilliance. While not forming a simple strum-able chord, the open strings offer a versatile palette for creative voicings centered around C, G, and D, with the A note adding a distinctive color.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "Aerial Boundaries" tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2. This is a significant drop, resulting in a very deep, resonant bass note.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 3 semitones from A2 to C3. Please exercise extreme caution with this string. Tuning up 3 semitones approaches the maximum recommended tension increase for standard guitar strings and carries an increased risk of breakage. As advised by Michael Hedges in the original description, it's highly recommended to first loosen the string (perhaps to A-flat or lower), gently pull on it to relieve tension, and then carefully tune it up to C3.
• 4th String (D): This string remains at D3; no change is needed (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): This string remains at G3; no change is needed (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), consider using a different string gauge to accommodate the tension changes and prevent potential string breakage or damage to your instrument. The significant drop on the 6th string and the notable rise on the 5th string make this especially relevant.

6th String (Low E): C2

5th String (A): C3

4th String (D): D3

3rd String (G): G3

2nd String (B): A3

1st String (High E): D4