Verbal Analysis: Deep Hybrid Re-entrant

The 'Deep Hybrid Re-entrant' tuning is an adventurous and highly unconventional setup designed for guitarists seeking an extremely deep, resonant, and experimental sound. Breaking away from traditional guitar voicings, it features an exceptionally low C2 on the 6th string, laying down a foundation of immense gravitas. This tuning is characterized by its unique intervallic structure, most notably a 're-entrant' configuration where the 3rd string (F3) is tuned lower in pitch than the 4th string (A#3). This creates a distinct sonic landscape that is both challenging and inspiring.

On the lower three strings (6, 5, 4), you'll find C2, F2, and A#3 (Bb3), offering a dark and expansive canvas. The upper three strings (3, 2, 1) are tuned to F3, A3, and D4. This particular combination means that strumming the top three open strings will yield an inverted D minor chord (D-F-A), providing a surprising touch of melancholic beauty amidst the deep, potentially dissonant lower register. This juxtaposition allows for complex harmonic textures, where the low strings can provide a drone or heavy riffing base, while the upper strings can outline melodic or chordal movements. It's well-suited for genres like experimental metal, doom, ambient soundscapes, or any style where pushing the boundaries of guitar tonality is paramount.

Exploring chords in this tuning will require a fresh perspective. Power chords on the lowest strings will be unconventional due to the C-F-A# (Bb) pattern, but individual notes can be used for massive drone effects. The easy access to a D minor chord on the upper three strings is a significant feature, allowing for immediate melodic and harmonic content. Players will find themselves discovering new chord shapes and voicings that are simply not possible in standard or even typical drop tunings.

Technical Analysis: Deep Hybrid Re-entrant

• Open String Notes: C2, F2, A#3, F3, A3, D4 (from 6th string to 1st string).
• Intervallic Structure (low to high):
  • String 6 (C2) to String 5 (F2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • String 5 (F2) to String 4 (A#3): Augmented Fourth (Aug4) / Tritone
  • String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (F3): Diminished Fifth (Dim5) Down – This is a re-entrant interval, meaning String 3 is lower in pitch than String 4.
  • String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A3): Major Third (M3)
  • String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect Fourth (P4)
• Tuning Depth: All strings are tuned down significantly from standard EADGBe, ranging from 2 to 4 semitones. This deep drop necessitates careful consideration of string gauge to maintain proper tension and intonation, especially for the lowest C2 and F2 strings.
• Key Features: The tuning's most distinctive technical aspect is the re-entrant interval between the 4th and 3rd strings. This is highly unusual for conventional guitar setups and dictates unique approaches to fingerings and arpeggios. The open top three strings forming a D minor chord offer immediate melodic and harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Deep Hybrid Re-entrant' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note that tuning down by 4 semitones for the lowest three strings is a significant change, and using a heavier gauge string set is highly advisable to maintain good playability and intonation, and to prevent potential fret buzz.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones from E2 to C2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D3 to A#3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

When tuning down by more than 4 semitones, it is generally recommended to use a different string gauge to ensure optimal performance and avoid excessive or insufficient tension.

String 6: Tuned to C2 (the lowest C on a standard piano keyboard, two octaves below middle C).

String 5: Tuned to F2 (a perfect fourth above the 6th string).

String 4: Tuned to A#3 (also known as Bb3, an augmented fourth above the 5th string).

String 3: Tuned to F3 (a diminished fifth below the 4th string, creating a re-entrant interval).

String 2: Tuned to A3 (a major third above the 3rd string).

String 1: Tuned to D4 (a perfect fourth above the 2nd string, making the top three strings an inverted D minor chord).