Alesund by Sun Kil Moon is a profoundly resonant and deeply atmospheric guitar tuning, specifically crafted to evoke the distinct mood of the song. It deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, taking all strings down to create a rich, low-end soundscape and unique harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately presents a dark, expansive sonic palette. The very low string tensions allow for shimmering sustain and a powerful, almost drone-like quality when strummed open. The low C-G-C on the three bass strings forms a strong foundational C power chord, offering incredible depth and a full, enveloping resonance. This allows for easy access to rich, open voicings that feel both familiar and distinct. The inclusion of the D and A in the upper register adds a sophisticated harmonic complexity, leaning towards a sweet, open sound often associated with folk or ambient genres. It's a tuning that encourages open string interplay and subtle melodic movements within a rich harmonic bed, perfect for creating moody and contemplative soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

The tuning, from lowest to highest, is C2 G2 C3 D3 A3 C4.

• Root and Octaves: The tuning is firmly rooted in C, with C2, C3, and C4 providing strong octaves across the fretboard. This creates a very stable harmonic center.
• Perfect Fifth: The G2 (perfect fifth of C) on the 5th string reinforces the C tonality, making open C chords powerful and clear.
• Open Chord Voicing: When strummed open, the strings form a C-G-C-D-A-C voicing. This is essentially a Cadd9add6 (or C6/9 without the explicit 3rd, but implying it strongly through the C root). It's a full, suspended, yet harmonically rich voicing that can easily imply a C Major tonality.
• Intervals from C2: The intervals are Root (C), Perfect 5th (G), Octave (C), Major 9th (D), Major 13th (A), Double Octave (C). This combination creates a bright, open sound despite the overall low pitch, offering a sense of openness and airiness.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • The prominent C-G-C foundation makes C major, C minor, and C power chords readily available with minimal effort, often by simply barring across the lower strings.
  • The D (9th) and A (6th) notes in the upper strings invite experimentation with suspended chords (Csus2, Csus4 with a D bass), C6, Cmaj7, Cmaj9, and Lydian-flavored melodies and voicings.
  • Barre chords based on the low C-G-C can easily shift the root and retain the rich harmonic extensions provided by the upper strings.

How to Tune

This tuning involves significant drops in pitch from standard EADGBe. Exercise caution and consider using heavier gauge strings for optimal tone and playability, especially for strings with large drops.

• 6th String (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones (2 whole steps). Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised for stability and intonation.
• 5th String (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones (1 whole step).
• 4th String (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones (1 whole step).
• 3rd String (G to D3): Tune down 5 semitones (2 and a half whole steps). Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a very significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and tone.
• 2nd String (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones (1 whole step).
• 1st String (High E to C4): Tune down 4 semitones (2 whole steps). Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is advised for stability and intonation.

6th String: C2
5th String: G2
4th String: C3
3rd String: D3
2nd String: A3
1st String: C4