The 'Clairvoyant' tuning for guitar, famously used by Cats by Macseal in their song, presents a unique and distinctive soundscape. This reentrant tuning features a low C# and a high D#, with some interesting internal string relationships.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to C#3, G#3, D#4, G#4, C4, D#5. This creates a rich, dissonant, yet harmonically interesting foundation. The tuning is notable for its reentrant characteristic, where the 2nd string (C4) is actually lower in pitch than the 3rd string (G#4). This creates unexpected melodic and harmonic possibilities, allowing for unique inversions and chord voicings not typically found in standard tunings.

The intervals between strings are: a perfect 5th (C#3-G#3), followed by another perfect 5th (G#3-D#4), then a perfect 4th (D#4-G#4). A distinctive descending major 6th occurs from the 3rd to the 2nd string (G#4-C4), highlighting its reentrant nature. Finally, a wide compound major 9th spans from the 2nd to the 1st string (C4-D#5).

The lowest three strings (C#3, G#3, D#4) form a powerful, stacked open 5th relationship, which can be utilized for heavy, resonant riffs and power chords. The overall collection of open notes (C#, D#, G#, C) implies elements of a C#m7(add9) sound, providing a dark and introspective quality. The presence of the D# (a major 2nd above C#) and C natural (a minor 7th above C#) creates a sophisticated, almost jazz-like color to the open strings, despite the heavy low end.

Chords that are readily available in this tuning include open power chords based on C# and G#. Due to the reentrant C4 string, fingerings for common chords will need to be re-evaluated, opening up creative new shapes. This unique interval arrangement demands a fresh approach to the fretboard, encouraging exploration of wide stretches and specific voicings.

How to Tune:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3. Tuning down 3 semitones will noticeably reduce string tension compared to standard tuning.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone to G#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.