The "Modified Ostrich" tuning is a unique and resonant variation designed for the Guitar, clearly aiming to emulate the drone-like qualities and harmonic richness often associated with the Sitar. This tuning establishes an open C# Major chord across most of the strings, providing an immediate, full-bodied sound when strummed open.

Technical Analysis:

• The tuning from low to high is: C#3 - G#3 - C#4 - C#5 - C#5 - C#5.
• This configuration creates a C# Major chord (C#, E#, G#) with a unique voicing. The low C# (6th string) provides a strong root, followed by G# (5th string) which is the perfect fifth, and then C# (4th string) as an octave.
• A most striking feature is the unison tuning of the top three strings (1st, 2nd, and 3rd) all to C#5. This creates an incredibly powerful, shimmering, and sustained high register, reminiscent of the sympathetic strings or drone notes found on instruments like the sitar. This triplicate C#5 provides a strong anchor for melodies and evokes a bright, almost bell-like quality.
• The intervals between the lower strings are a perfect fifth (C#3 to G#3) and then a perfect fourth (G#3 to C#4), providing a solid harmonic foundation for the high unison notes.

Verbal Analysis and Playability:

This tuning is an adventure for any guitarist, particularly those interested in ambient, drone, or world music styles. The immediate open C# Major chord makes it incredibly easy to start playing, as a simple strum sounds harmonically complete. The "sitar sound" mentioned in the original description is perfectly achieved through the resonating unison C#5s, which ring out with remarkable clarity and sustain, creating a hypnotic, almost ethereal quality.

Open Chords: Naturally, an open C# Major chord is the most prominent. Barring across all six strings at any fret will instantly yield a Major chord (e.g., barre at the 1st fret for D Major, 2nd for D# Major, etc.). The consistent C# on the high strings means that even simple single-note melodies will have a rich, harmonically full backing.

Accessible Chords & Shapes: While traditional chord shapes will need to be re-learned, this tuning opens up new possibilities for drone-based playing. Power chords on the lower strings (e.g., barring strings 6, 5, 4) will sound particularly robust. The unison high C#s allow for expressive melodic work on the top three strings, where subtle bends and vibrato can create microtonal nuances reminiscent of traditional Indian music. Experiment with sliding single-finger barres or partial barres to find new, resonant voicings. The overall configuration lends itself well to slide guitar techniques as well, where the open major chord structure can be moved fluidly across the fretboard.

How to Tune: Modified Ostrich

To achieve the Modified Ostrich tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), follow these instructions carefully. Pay close attention to the direction and number of semitones for each string.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones from E3 to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone from A3 to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 6 semitones from G4 to C#5. Caution: Tuning up 6 semitones is a significant increase in tension. For optimal playability and to avoid string breakage, a different gauge string (lighter) is strongly advised for this string.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones from B4 to C#5.
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 3 semitones from E5 to C#5.

Always check your guitar's intonation after significantly changing tunings.