This is a custom tuning named "Cailleach D/Cadd9 Tuning," specifically crafted for a song based on the Scottish goddess of winter. It offers a unique and evocative soundscape, rich with harmonic possibilities and resonant drones.

Verbal Analysis

The Cailleach D/Cadd9 tuning immediately suggests a mystical, atmospheric, and somewhat melancholic character, perfectly aligning with its inspiration. The presence of deep D and C notes provides a robust, droning foundation, creating a sense of spaciousness and depth. This tuning allows for significant open string resonance, which can be harnessed to build lush sonic textures. The interplay between D and C as potential tonal centers introduces a compelling harmonic ambiguity, enabling the exploration of both minor and major-tinged voicings within the same open position. It feels ancient and expansive, ideal for storytelling through sound.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes, from low to high (String 6 to String 1), are: D1-A2-C3-G3-C4-D4.

• String 6 (D1): Provides a deep, fundamental bass note, serving as a powerful drone or the root of a D-based harmony.
• String 5 (A2): A perfect fifth above the low D, strongly reinforcing a D tonality.
• String 4 (C3): Functions as a minor seventh if D is the root, introducing a bluesy or modal flavor. It also acts as the root of a C chord, crucial for the "Cadd9" aspect of the tuning.
• String 3 (G3): A perfect fourth above C, or the 11th above D, adding complexity and potential for suspensions.
• String 2 (C4): An octave higher than the 4th string C, brightly reinforcing the C tonality.
• String 1 (D4): An octave higher than the 6th string D, providing a clear melodic voice and completing the D octave.

The full open string voicing (D-A-C-G-C-D) creates a rich sonority. When interpreted with D as the root, it essentially forms a D minor 7(add11) chord (D-A-C-G-C-D, where C is the b7 and G is the 11). If interpreted with C as the root, particularly focusing on strings 4-3-2-1 (C-G-C-D), it clearly spells out a Cadd9 chord. This harmonic duality between D-centric minor/modal ideas and C-centric major/extended harmonies is a hallmark of this tuning, encouraging creative exploration of voicings and melodic contours. The unique arrangement of intervals, especially the stacked perfect 5ths (D-A, C-G) and the distinct minor 3rd (A-C), contributes to its open, ringing quality and facilitates interesting arpeggios and sustained drone effects. Open chords like D minor, Dsus4, Cadd9, and C major can be easily implied or formed, offering a versatile palette for composition.

How to Tune

To achieve the Cailleach D/Cadd9 Tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e):

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to D. While tuning down 4 semitones is just at the recommended limit for standard string gauges, please exercise caution to prevent undue stress on the string.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 2 semitones to D.

• String 6: D1
• String 5: A2
• String 4: C3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: C4
• String 1: D4