This unique tuning, officially known as Antoine Dufour's 'Into Your Heart' tuning, represents a significant departure from standard EADGBe, creating a rich and resonant soundscape. It features several lowered strings and one raised string, transforming the guitar's sonic profile into something distinctively atmospheric. The open strings themselves carry a sense of mystery and depth, often lending themselves to intricate fingerstyle arrangements and open, ringing harmonies.

Technical Analysis

Technically, the tuning notes from low to high are D2-A2-C3-F3-C4-E4. This configuration incorporates a mixture of intervals across the strings:

• The low D2 to A2 forms a Perfect 5th, providing a strong bass foundation.
• A2 to C3 is a Minor 3rd.
• C3 to F3 is a Perfect 4th.
• F3 to C4 is a Perfect 5th.
• C4 to E4 is a Major 3rd.

The presence of two C notes (on the 4th and 2nd strings) is a key feature, providing a strong common tone for harmonic exploration and allowing for drones and sustained voicings. Players will find immediate access to open F major chords (F-A-C) by utilizing strings 3, 5, and 4, possibly with the high C on string 2. Similarly, D minor triads (D-F-A) are readily available using strings 6, 3, and 5. This suggests a natural leaning towards compositions in D minor or F major, offering both melancholic and brighter harmonic possibilities. The specific arrangement of intervals makes it particularly suitable for complex fingerstyle compositions, allowing for broad melodic and harmonic textures.

Tuning Notes: D A C F C E

• 6th String (Low E): D2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): F3
• 2nd String (B): C4
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Antoine Dufour's 'Into Your Heart' tuning from standard EADGBe:

• 6th String (Low E): From E2, Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): From A2, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): From D3, Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): From G3, Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): From B3, Tune up 1 semitones to C4.
• 1st String (High E): From E4, Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly (generally more than 4 semitones up or down), it is advisable to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal string tension and prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings. For this particular tuning, all movements are within a reasonable range, though the collective changes will alter the overall tension on the neck. Always tune carefully and be mindful of your guitar's structural integrity.