Tuning Analysis: Atlantis tune

The "Atlantis tune," as described by rontaru, is an exceptionally deep and unconventional guitar tuning, specifically noted for its potential resonance at 432Hz. This tuning is designed to evoke a profound, possibly mystical or melancholic sonic landscape, moving far beyond standard guitar voicings and emphasizing lower, richer frequencies.

Technical Breakdown

• Resultant Tuning: D2 A2 A2 F#3 G3 C4 (from low E to high E string).
• This tuning exhibits a heavily dropped bass section, with both the low E and D strings tuned significantly downwards. The most striking feature is the unison between the 5th and 4th strings (both A2), creating a powerful, resonant drone.
• The intervals between strings are highly unique:
  • String 6 (D2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • String 5 (A2) to String 4 (A2): Unison (0 semitones)
  • String 4 (A2) to String 3 (F#3): Major 6th (9 semitones) – a wide and open interval.
  • String 3 (F#3) to String 2 (G3): Minor 2nd (1 semitone) – a very close, dissonant, and characteristic cluster.
  • String 2 (G3) to String 1 (C4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• The low D (D2) and the doubled A (A2, A2) establish a strong, low-end foundation, primarily hinting at a D power chord (D5). The presence of F#3 on the 3rd string suggests a D Major tonality, but the G3 and C4 on the higher strings introduce intriguing harmonic possibilities. The F#3-G3 minor second clash creates tension, while the G3-C4 perfect 4th offers a stable, open sound on the top.

Open Chords and Harmonic Potential

Playing all open strings simultaneously (D A A F# G C) results in a rich, complex sonority. The low D and doubled A provide a solid D power chord foundation. The F#3 further solidifies a D major implication. However, the G3 and C4 introduce elements that can lead to suspended (Dsus2, Dsus4), dominant 7th (D7), or even modal voicings, particularly with the D as a tonal center. The overall sound is expansive and lends itself well to drone-based music, arpeggios, and melodic lines that emphasize the unique intervals. Chords often found with standard tuning will need significant re-fingering or may be entirely unavailable in their usual shapes, encouraging exploration of new sonic territories.

Open String Notes

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

How to Tune

To achieve the "Atlantis tune" from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these specific string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones from D3 to A2. Note: This is a significant drop. For changes exceeding negative 4 semitones, a different gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension and instrument health.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G3 to F#3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. Note: This is a considerable drop. For changes exceeding negative 4 semitones, a different gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension and instrument health.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. Note: This is a considerable drop. For changes exceeding negative 4 semitones, a different gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension and instrument health.