Description of the Roslyn Downtune Guitar Tuning

The Roslyn Downtune is a uniquely rich and resonant guitar tuning, famously associated with the intricate and atmospheric soundscapes of Bon Iver. As the provided `tuning_description` suggests, it's a "very cool tuning from bon iver but tuned down 3 steps." This variant takes an already distinctive tuning and drops it even further, creating a darker, more expansive sonic palette. It's an excellent choice for players seeking deep, drone-like textures, open harmonies, and a departure from standard chord voicings, leveraging the unique qualities of the Guitar instrument type.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is characterized by its broad range and altered intervals from the lowest string (C#3) to the highest (D5#):

• Root Note: The lowest string is tuned to C#3, establishing a deep foundational root.
• Open Intervals: From the lowest string (C#), the open strings present the following approximate intervals: C# (root), G# (perfect 5th), B (minor 7th), D# (major 9th), B (minor 7th), D# (major 9th). This creates a very full, almost chordal sound even when played open.
• Chordal Qualities: The open strings naturally form a C# minor 7 (C# G# B) with an added D# (major 9th). This creates a rich C#m(add9) sonority, but with the 3rd (E) omitted, giving it a slightly ambiguous yet expansive feel. The strong presence of the minor 7th (B) and the perfect 5th (G#) against the C# root provides a powerful, melancholic base. This makes it easy to imply C# minor 7th or C#sus2(add b7) chords with minimal effort, simply by strumming open strings. Moving a single finger or barring one fret can unlock a cascade of new chord voicings.
• Drone Potential: The repeated B and D# notes across the higher strings lend themselves perfectly to sustained drones and shimmering arpeggios, allowing for intricate fingerstyle patterns that resonate with underlying harmony.
• String Tension: With several strings tuned down significantly, players may find a slacker feel compared to standard tuning. This can be beneficial for bending and vibrato but may require a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and intonation, especially for the strings tuned down 4 or more semitones.

Verbal Description & Playability

The Roslyn Downtune offers a deep, almost haunting sonic landscape. It's built for atmospheric soundscapes and is excellent for fingerstyle playing where open strings can ring out, creating complex, evolving harmonies. The low C# and G# create a powerful, resonant foundation, while the higher strings add shimmering textures. Chord shapes will feel entirely new, encouraging exploration and breaking free from standard voicings. Simple two or three-finger shapes can yield incredibly rich and unique sounds. The strong minor 7th and 9th intervals in the open tuning lend themselves to bluesy, melancholic, or ambient styles, making it perfect for creating introspective and textural music.

How to Tune (From Standard EADGBe)

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to reach C#3. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to reach G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to reach B2. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to reach D4#. This is a significant drop; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension and intonation.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to reach D5#.

6th String: C#3

5th String: G#3

4th String: B2

3rd String: D4#

2nd String: B3

1st String: D5#