This unique guitar tuning, often referred to by its original source, "skinny love - bon iver", is famously employed by the artist Bon Iver for his iconic song "Skinny Love." As described, Bon Iver is renowned for his innovative and often unconventional tunings, and this particular setup is a prime example of his creative approach to the instrument.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: C2 - C3 - G2 - E3 - G3 - C4 (from the lowest pitched string to the highest).

Upon closer inspection, this tuning beautifully forms an open C Major chord. Let's break down its components:

• The 6th string (C2) and 5th string (C3) establish a rich, deep C root, with the 1st string (C4) completing the C octaves.
• The 4th string (G2) and 2nd string (G3) provide the perfect fifth of C Major, creating a strong harmonic foundation.
• The 3rd string (E3) contributes the essential major third, completing the C Major triad.

This configuration means that simply strumming all open strings yields a full and resonant C Major chord. This makes it exceptionally easy to write and play in the key of C Major, as many common chord shapes will naturally resolve or imply C Major harmony. Power chords on the lower strings will also be highly accessible, given the numerous C and G notes acting as drones or roots. The abundant C and G octaves throughout the tuning provide a very full sound, ideal for arpeggiated patterns or powerful strums, characteristic of Bon Iver's textural style.

Experimenting with a capo can easily shift this C Major tuning into other keys, allowing for straightforward transposition while retaining the unique voicings and accessible open-string harmonies this tuning offers.

Tuning Notes

The target notes for each string in this tuning are:

• String 6 (Low E Equivalent): C2
• String 5 (A String Equivalent): C3
• String 4 (D String Equivalent): G2
• String 3 (G String Equivalent): E3
• String 2 (B String Equivalent): G3
• String 1 (High E Equivalent): C4

How to Tune

To achieve the "skinny love - bon iver" tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): From its standard E2, tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• String 5 (A String): From its standard A2, tune up 3 semitones to C3.

  Caution: Tuning this string up 3 semitones can increase string tension notably. Please proceed with care. Generally, for movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different gauge string is often advised.

• String 4 (D String): From its standard D3, tune down 7 semitones to G2.

  Note: Tuning this string down 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) will significantly decrease its tension. For optimal tone and playability at this lower tension, a heavier gauge string might be advised.

• String 3 (G String): From its standard G3, tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B String): From its standard B3, tune down 4 semitones to G3.
• String 1 (High E): From its standard E4, tune down 4 semitones to C4.

Important Recommendation: For tunings that involve string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, such as String 4 (-7 semitones) and String 5 (+3 semitones, close to the threshold), it is generally recommended to use a different gauge string set. This helps maintain appropriate string tension, ensures better intonation, and prolongs string life, preventing potential damage to your guitar or strings.