Verbal Analysis:

This is a highly distinctive and unconventional tuning, specifically crafted for Antoine Dufour's intricate fingerstyle piece "Catching the Light" when played with a capo at the first fret. It features a predominantly low and dark character due to the significant downtuning of all strings from standard E. The most striking element is the presence of a C natural (4th string) alongside a C# (6th string), creating an immediate, striking dissonance when played open. This suggests a sophisticated harmonic approach rather than a simple open chord. The tuning is designed for advanced fingerstyle arrangements, allowing for unique voicings, percussive techniques, and melodic possibilities that wouldn't be accessible in standard tuning. The deep pitches and close intervals in the bass provide a rich, resonant foundation, while the higher strings offer bright, singing tones.

Technical Analysis:

The open string notes, from low to high, are C#3-G#3-C3-D#4-A#4-D#5. This tuning is derived by lowering every string from standard E-A-D-G-B-E. The resulting intervallic structure is highly irregular, emphasizing tension and specific voicings rather than a common open chord:

• Lowest Fundamental Notes: The 6th string is C#3, and the 4th string is C3. This creates a minor second (half-step) interval between the two lowest fundamental bass notes (C#3 and C3), a hallmark of modern fingerstyle for creating deep harmonic tension and release.
• Intervallic Relationships (from lowest C#3):
  • String 6 (C#3) to String 5 (G#3): Perfect 5th
  • String 6 (C#3) to String 4 (C3): Minor 2nd down (or Major 7th below C#4) - creates significant tension.
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (D#4): Major 9th (Major 2nd an octave up)
  • String 3 (D#4) to String 2 (A#4): Perfect 4th
  • String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (D#5): Perfect 4th
• Potential Open Chords/Voicings:
  • When played open, the full six strings (C#3-G#3-C3-D#4-A#4-D#5) create a very dissonant cluster that does not resolve to a simple major or minor triad. This confirms its design for specific melodic and harmonic movements rather than strumming an open chord.
  • However, if the 4th string (C3) is intentionally muted or fretted, the remaining notes (C#3-G#3-D#4-A#4-D#5) suggest a C#sus2(add13) or C#add9add13 quality, offering a blend of open, spacious sounds. The upper three strings (D#4, A#4, D#5) form a D#sus4 chord, suggesting easy access to suspend-like voicings in the higher register.
  • The low C#3 and G#3 provide a strong root-fifth foundation, allowing for melodic exploration over this bass, with the dissonant C3 available for tension and release.
• This tuning is ideal for complex fingerpicking patterns, harmonic tapping, and percussive techniques due to the reduced string tension from downtuning.

How to Tune to Antoine Dufour - Catching the Light (Capo 1)

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-E. Please proceed carefully, tuning each string to its specified note.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from E3 to C#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A3 to G#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D4 to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 4 semitones from G4 to D#4. Tuning down 4 semitones is a notable change, so take care during this adjustment.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B4 to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone from E5 to D#5.

Important Note on String Tension: While all string movements in this tuning are generally manageable with standard string gauges, it's always advisable to tune carefully. For any tuning involving significant drops (like the 4 semitones on string 3), ensure your strings can handle the reduced tension without excessive fret buzz and maintain good intonation.