Tuning Analysis: N28°12' 24.719"W82°35' 20.398

This unique tuning, described by its creator as being excellent for "minor voicings," indeed delivers on that promise. It creates a rich, complex minor sound when played open, offering a wide tonal palette for atmospheric and emotional compositions. The interplay of specific intervals and octave displacements gives it a distinct character, making it ideal for experimental or evocative musical passages, particularly where a deep, melancholic, or jazzy minor sound is desired.

Technical Breakdown:

The open strings are tuned to C#3, G#3, E3, G#4, B3, D#5 (from the low E string position to the high E string position). Let's delve into the intervallic relationships and the harmonic possibilities this arrangement unlocks:

• The pitches present across the open strings are C#, D#, E, G#, B. When arranged in ascending order, this sequence resembles a C# Dorian scale fragment (C# - D# - E - G# - B), suggesting a versatile minor tonality with a natural major 6th (A# would be the M6, G# is P5).
• Most notably, playing all six strings open yields a powerful C# minor 9 chord (C# - E - G# - B - D#). The C# (6th string), E (4th string), and G# (5th string) form a solid C# minor triad foundation. Adding the B (2nd string) creates a C# minor 7, and the D# (1st string) completes the C# minor 9, with the G# on the 3rd string reinforcing the 5th an octave higher.
• This tuning features significant octave jumps between certain strings (e.g., E3 on the 4th string to G#4 on the 3rd string, and B3 on the 2nd string to D#5 on the 1st string). These octave displacements contribute to open, ringing voicings and provide a broad harmonic range, allowing for rich and shimmering chordal textures.
• The non-sequential pitch ascent (e.g., G#3 on string 5 to E3 on string 4, and G#4 on string 3 to B3 on string 2) introduces unique challenges and opportunities for fingering. It may simplify some wider stretches by placing notes on adjacent strings that would normally be further apart, while requiring new approaches for familiar shapes.
• Beyond the prominent C# minor 9, other resonant open chord voicings include C# minor 7 (using strings 6, 5, 4, 3, 2), a G# minor triad (strings 5, 2, 1), and elements of E Major (strings 4, 3, 2). The open D# (1st string) also suggests possibilities for chords like D#diminished or D#7.

This tuning is clearly designed for a specific sonic landscape, favoring minor tonalities with extended harmonies. It offers a fresh perspective on chord voicings and opens up creative avenues for composition and improvisation, especially for those looking to explore non-standard harmonic territories.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'N28°12' 24.719"W82°35' 20.398' tuning, adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe tuning according to the following instructions:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone to G#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) for B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

Important Note: All individual string adjustments in this tuning (ranging from tuning down 3 semitones to tuning up 2 semitones) fall within a generally safe range for standard gauge guitar strings. For movements exceeding approximately 4 semitones up or down, a different gauge string is typically advised. While the semitone changes here are relatively conservative, please always exercise caution when tuning, especially when increasing string tension. The specified target notes (e.g., C#3 for the 6th string, D#5 for the 1st string) represent absolute pitches. If you find it difficult to reach a target pitch or experience excessive string tension with your current setup, consider consulting a guitar technician or using string gauges more appropriate for the intended absolute pitch and tension.