Verbal Analysis:

The 'Re-La-Tune' tuning, as its name suggests, offers a re-imagined sonic landscape for your guitar. Described by its creator rontaru as a "~D7sus4 tuning," it aims for a rich, open chord sound, optimized for a mellower 432Hz frequency. This tuning feels expansive and resonant, ideal for open, droning soundscapes, fingerstyle arrangements, or adding a unique harmonic texture to your playing. The significant downtuning across most strings contributes to a warm, full-bodied tone that can inspire new melodic and harmonic ideas, especially for ambient or reflective pieces. The open D7sus4 chord provides a strong harmonic foundation, inviting exploration in keys related to D.

Technical Analysis:

This 'Re-La-Tune' sets the guitar to a specific D7sus4 chord when played open: D2-A2-A2-D3-G3-C4. The interval structure from the root (D) is:

• String 6 (D2): Root
• String 5 (A2): Perfect 5th
• String 4 (A2): Perfect 5th (octave lower than A3)
• String 3 (D3): Octave
• String 2 (G3): Perfect 4th (sus4)
• String 1 (C4): Minor 7th

The repetition of the A (Strings 5 and 4) and D (Strings 6 and 3) provides a thick, resonant voicing for the D7sus4. This open chord structure naturally facilitates playing in the key of D, offering a strong drone. Sliding this entire open chord shape up the fretboard will yield different 7sus4 chords (e.g., 5th fret yields G7sus4, 7th fret yields A7sus4). The presence of the G (4th) and C (minor 7th) suggests a bluesy or jazzy flavor, making this tuning versatile for genres beyond traditional folk or rock. The overall lowered tension will also affect string feel and sustain, potentially making bending easier.

Chords Within Reach:

With the open strings forming a D7sus4, you have an immediate rich harmonic palette. Simple barre chords at various frets will instantly create other 7sus4 chords. Experimenting with omitting certain strings or adding single notes can quickly yield:

• Dsus4: By muting or not playing the 1st string (C4).
• D minor triad: By carefully adjusting one or two notes from the open D7sus4 (e.g., finding the F for a minor 3rd) or using specific fingerings.
• Power Chords: Using the lower D and A strings (6, 5, 4) for powerful open D5 or A5 chords.

The inherent open voicings encourage melodic playing over the droning open strings, and the overall lower tension might make bending notes easier.

The 'Re-La-Tune' tuning sets your guitar to the following notes:

• String 6 (Low E): D2
• String 5 (A): A2
• String 4 (D): A2
• String 3 (G): D3
• String 2 (B): G3
• String 1 (High E): C4

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Re-La-Tune' tuning, adjust your strings as follows from standard EADGBe:

• String 6 (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones. This is a moderate adjustment and should be fine with standard gauge strings.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D to A2): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for this position to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 3 (G to D3): Tune down 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for this position to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 2 (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for better playability and tone.
• String 1 (High E to C4): Tune down 4 semitones. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string may be advisable for better playability and tone.

Always tune slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage or damage to your instrument. For tunings with significant semitone changes (down 4 or more, up 4 or more), a string gauge adjustment is generally recommended for the best playing experience and instrument health.