Tuning Analysis: Modified McLynn

The "Modified McLynn" tuning presents a distinctive and resonant soundscape for your guitar, diverging significantly from standard E-A-D-G-B-E. It achieves its unique character by systematically dropping certain strings by a whole step (2 semitones) while leaving others at their standard pitch, creating an intriguing blend of deep open drones and accessible harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning, D-A-C-G-A-E, immediately suggests a deep and somewhat melancholic or bluesy atmosphere, largely due to the presence of the D minor 7th implied by the lowest four strings (D-A-C-G). The root (D), perfect fifth (A), minor seventh (C), and perfect fourth (G relative to C, or perfect eleventh relative to D) create a rich harmonic foundation. The repeated 'A' on the 5th and 2nd strings offers excellent drone potential, allowing for sustained notes over changing chords and melodies. The high 'E' on the first string adds a bright, contrasting element, functioning as a major ninth over the D root, further expanding the harmonic palette towards a Dm9 or Dsus2/4 feel. This setup lends itself well to genres such as blues, folk, jazz, and even some alternative rock where open, ringing voicings and powerful lower register chords are desired. It encourages creative exploration beyond typical barre chords, making open string combinations particularly effective.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, the "Modified McLynn" presents the following open notes:

• 6th String: D2 (down a whole step from E2)
• 5th String: A2 (standard A2)
• 4th String: C3 (down a whole step from D3)
• 3rd String: G3 (standard G3)
• 2nd String: A3 (down a whole step from B3)
• 1st String: E4 (standard E4)

Noticeable is the alternating pattern of altered strings: the 6th, 4th, and 2nd strings are all lowered by 2 semitones (a whole step), while the 5th, 3rd, and 1st strings remain in standard pitch. This creates a fascinating intervallic structure:

D2 (P5) A2 (m3) C3 (P4) G3 (P5) A3 (P4) E4

The D2-A2 interval on the lowest two strings provides a powerful open perfect fifth. The C3 introduces a minor seventh relative to D, forming a Dm7 chord with the D2 and A2. The subsequent G3 extends this further, creating a Dm7sus4 or Dm11 feel. The tuning also offers convenient shapes for common chords: an open D minor 7th (D-A-C-G) is readily available, and with minor finger adjustments, other voicings such as C major or A minor shapes could be easily formed due to the shared notes across strings. For instance, the A-C-G on strings 5-4-3 could be part of an Am7 chord or an inversion of Cmaj7. The overall sound is rich, open, and offers a strong modal flavor.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Modified McLynn" tuning, follow these precise adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-E guitar tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) - remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) - remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) - remains E4.

Important Note: When tuning, especially with significant changes (generally exceeding 4 semitones up or down), consider using a different string gauge to avoid excessive tension or slack and ensure optimal playability and string longevity. For this tuning, the changes are moderate (max 2 semitones down), so standard gauges should be fine, but always listen to your guitar.

Tuning Notes: Modified McLynn

The open notes for the "Modified McLynn" guitar tuning are as follows, from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest) string:

• 6th String: D2 - The lowest string is tuned to D in the second octave.
• 5th String: A2 - The fifth string is tuned to A in the second octave.
• 4th String: C3 - The fourth string is tuned to C in the third octave.
• 3rd String: G3 - The third string is tuned to G in the third octave.
• 2nd String: A3 - The second string is tuned to A in the third octave.
• 1st String: E4 - The highest string is tuned to E in the fourth octave.