The "Lullaby" tuning is a highly unconventional and resonant open tuning for the guitar, designed to evoke an ethereal and spacious soundscape. As its name suggests, it lends itself to contemplative, ambient, or atmospheric music, perfect for creating rich, sustained textures and arpeggios.

Technically, this tuning is notable for several unique characteristics:

• The open string notes are: C#3, A2, F#4, C#4, F#4, B3 (from low to high).
• There is an unusual pitch inversion between the 6th (C#3) and 5th (A2) strings, with the 5th string tuned lower than the 6th.
• A significant intervallic leap occurs between the 5th string (A2) and the 4th string (F#4), spanning 21 semitones.
• Two strings, the 4th and 2nd, are tuned to the exact same pitch of F#4, creating a powerful, resonant unison that can serve as a strong drone or focal point.
• The 1st string (B3) is tuned lower than the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th strings, contributing to a non-linear, unpredictable voicing across the fretboard.
• The collection of open notes — A, B, C#, F# — suggests harmonies like an F#m(add11) (F#, A, C#, B) or an Aadd9(no5) (A, C#, B, F#). This creates a somewhat melancholic yet open sound.

Open Chords & Harmonies

While standard chord shapes will be entirely re-contextualized in this tuning, several harmonic possibilities emerge:

• An F#5 Power Chord is readily available by strumming the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings open (F#4, C#4, F#4). This strong, fundamental voicing can provide a solid anchor.
• The overall open voicing provides a rich harmonic cluster, conducive to fingerstyle playing where individual notes can ring out and interact. The low A2 and C#3 create a deep, somewhat dark foundation, while the higher F#4s offer brightness and sustain.
• Experimenting with two- and three-note chord voicings by fretting just a few notes will yield unique and often haunting sounds, characteristic of open tunings with large intervals.

How to Tune

When tuning to Lullaby, proceed with care, especially with significant string tension changes. The instructions below describe the movement from an unspecified starting point to the target note for each string:

• 6th String: Tune down 3 semitones to C#3. (Movement: -3 semitones)
• 5th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is A2.
• 4th String: Tune up 4 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is significant. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this string to avoid excessive tension or breakage. (Movement: +4 semitones)
• 3rd String: Tune down 6 semitones to C#4. Caution: Tuning down 6 semitones is a substantial drop in tension. A heavier gauge string might be beneficial for better playability and intonation. (Movement: -6 semitones)
• 2nd String: Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial drop in tension. A heavier gauge string might be beneficial for better playability and intonation. (Movement: -5 semitones)
• 1st String: Tune down 5 semitones to B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial drop in tension. A heavier gauge string might be beneficial for better playability and intonation. (Movement: -5 semitones)