Tuning Overview: Alesund

The "Alesund" tuning, as described by Sun Kil Moon, is a deeply expressive and unique guitar tuning designed to evoke a rich, atmospheric soundscape. It significantly reconfigures the standard guitar's open strings, pushing the lower registers into much deeper territories while creating interesting melodic possibilities in the higher strings. This tuning is not for the faint of heart, requiring substantial adjustments, but it rewards players with a distinct sonic palette perfect for ambient, folk, or experimental compositions.

Technical Analysis:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Tuning Name: Alesund
• Open String Notes (Low to High): C#2, B1, E2, D3, A3, D4
• This tuning presents a fascinating intervallic structure. The two lowest strings, C#2 and B1, are extremely low, with B1 being significantly lower than a standard 6th string E2. This creates a vast bass range, ideal for deep drones and resonant, sustained notes. The presence of a low C# alongside a B provides a natural minor second interval in the bass, which can be haunting or provide a strong pull to other harmonies.
• Moving up, the E2, D3, A3, D4 combination forms an interesting cluster. The D3-A3-D4 on strings 3, 2, and 1 clearly outlines a Dsus2 chord, making D-based voicings and melodies very accessible. When combined with the lower strings, the open tuning offers a very open and complex harmonic cluster that doesn't easily resolve into a simple major or minor triad. It invites exploration of open chords, fingerstyle patterns, and arpeggios that leverage the natural resonance of these wide intervals.
• Chords that might emerge easily include Dsus2 (on strings 4-1 or 3-1), or E minor/major-type chords that incorporate the low B and C#. The overall character lends itself well to modal playing, sustained chord voicings, and melodic lines that emphasize the unique relationships between the open strings. The slacker tension on many strings will also affect playability, often resulting in a warmer, thicker tone and easier string bending.

How to Tune:

Achieving the Alesund tuning requires specific adjustments from standard EADGBe. Please use a reliable electronic tuner and proceed carefully, especially with strings that undergo significant pitch changes. For strings tuned down or up by more than 4 semitones, it is generally recommended to consider a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension, intonation, and string life.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to C#2. This requires you to Tune down 10 semitones. This is a substantial drop. Consider a heavier gauge string to maintain tension and tone.
• String 5 (A): Tune to B1. This requires you to Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string to maintain tension and tone.
• String 4 (D): Tune to E2. This requires you to Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop. Consider a heavier gauge string to maintain tension and tone.
• String 3 (G): Tune to D3. This requires you to Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Tune to A3. This requires you to Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Tune to D4. This requires you to Tune up 3 semitones.

• String 6 (Low E): C#2
• String 5 (A): B1
• String 4 (D): E2
• String 3 (G): D3
• String 2 (B): A3
• String 1 (High E): D4