This unique guitar tuning, aptly named "I Forget Where We Were Tuning," gained recognition from Ben Howard's performance of the song at Lollapalooza 2013. It offers a distinct sonic landscape, moving away from standard tuning to create an open and resonant sound that complements melodic fingerstyle playing and atmospheric compositions.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning configuration is D A C G G C (low to high). This arrangement features several interesting intervals and voicings:

• The open strings contain the notes D, A, C, and G. This collection strongly suggests a D minor 7th tonality (D-F-A-C) or a G major/sus4 feel, giving it a melancholic yet open quality.
• The lower three strings (D-A-C) create a D minor 7th voicing without the third (F), providing a strong harmonic foundation.
• A prominent feature is the unison G on the 3rd and 2nd strings, followed by a perfect fourth up to C on the 1st string. This creates a rich, sustained texture in the mid-to-high range.
• The repeated G and C notes across the higher strings lend themselves to droning and open chord voicings, making it easy to form expressive clusters with minimal fretting.
• Open chords that are immediately accessible or easily reachable include variations of D minor 7th, G suspended chords, and C major voicings due to the interplay of D, A, C, and G across the strings. The overall feel is that of an expansive, minor-tinged sound, ideal for intricate arpeggios and rhythmic patterns.

This tuning is perfectly suited for styles that require a full, ambient sound with relatively simple finger positions, characteristic of Ben Howard's unique approach to the guitar.

Tuning Notes (Low to High):

• 6th String (Low E): D2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): C3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): G3
• 1st String (High E): C4

How to Tune:

To achieve "I Forget Where We Were Tuning" from standard E A D G B E tuning, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a different gauge string if you frequently use this tuning to avoid excessive slack or or potential intonation issues.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a different gauge string if you frequently use this tuning to avoid excessive slack or potential intonation issues.

Always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's neck relief is properly adjusted for significant tuning changes.