Burren Tuning: A Resonant and Melancholic Soundscape

The "Burren" tuning, named after the unique and rugged Irish landscape, offers a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic sound. This alternative tuning moves significantly away from standard EADGBe, creating a distinctive harmonic palette that evokes an atmospheric and bluesy feel. It's an excellent choice for players looking to explore drone-based music, open-string strumming with complex voicings, or fingerstyle pieces that benefit from rich, sustained tones.

Technical Analysis

The tuning's notes are set as follows from low to high: C2-G2-A#3-G3-F4-G4. This configuration establishes a strong low C drone, supported by repeated G notes across different octaves (G2, G3, G4). The A#3 (B-flat) introduces a minor seventh quality, while the F4 adds an eleventh (or perfect fourth relative to C). The significant intervals between strings, especially on the higher register, contribute to a unique and often suspended harmonic texture.

The open strings collectively form a C minor 7th (add 11th) chord (C-G-B♭-F-G). Alternatively, it can be perceived as an F suspended 4th (add 9th and 13th), highlighting its versatility and rich, ambiguous character. This structure is particularly suited for creating dense, sustained chords with minimal effort and exploring modal improvisations.

Chords and Playability

• Open Strum: Strumming all open strings yields a full, resonant C minor 7(add11) or Fsus4(add9,13) chord, providing an immediate, atmospheric sound.
• Low Power Chords: The lower strings (C2-G2-A#3) create a powerful C5 with a strong minor seventh (B♭), ideal for blues and rock riffs. Muting the 4th string allows for a classic C5 power chord.
• Barre Chords: While requiring adaptation, barring across any fret will transpose the open tuning's unique intervallic pattern, offering new possibilities for complex chord voicings and melodic shapes up the neck. For example, a 5th fret barre creates an F minor 7(add11) chord.
• Modal and Drone Playing: The persistent C and G notes, combined with the minor 7th, make this tuning highly conducive to blues scales, minor modes, and compositions that utilize sustained drones for a hypnotic effect.

How to Tune to Burren

To achieve the Burren tuning (C2-G2-A#3-G3-F4-G4) from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments carefully. Always use a reliable tuner and ensure your guitar is properly intonated for best results.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2. This is a significant drop, so proceed slowly and ensure your string can handle the slack without buzzing.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3 (B-flat). This is a notable drop; tune carefully.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 6 semitones to F4. CAUTION: This is a substantial increase in tension (+6 semitones). It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string for the 2nd string to prevent breakage and avoid excessive stress on your guitar. Tune very slowly.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. This is a moderate increase in tension. Tune with care.

Always check your intonation after making significant tuning changes, as string tension alterations can affect it.