Tuning Overview: Of Age

This distinctive guitar tuning, known as "Of Age," is famously utilized by Yvette Young in her EP "Acoustics." It's a tuning that significantly reshapes the guitar's sonic landscape, moving far from the familiar E Standard. Designed for intricate melodic lines and rich harmonic textures, it creates a unique resonance that defines her signature sound.

Verbal Analysis

"Of Age" presents a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic character, largely due to its dropped low strings. The overall feel is open and airy, with several major 7th and 9th intervals prominent in the open string voicing. This creates a sophisticated harmonic palette that is both complex and inviting. It's a tuning that lends itself well to fingerstyle playing, allowing individual notes to ring out and combine in interesting ways, producing lush, almost piano-like arpeggios. The strategic lowering of most strings, especially the 6th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd, opens up new melodic and harmonic possibilities that are simply not available in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

The full tuning for "Of Age" is D2 A2 C#4 E3 A3 E4. Let's break down its components:

• Low End: The 6th string is tuned down to D2, creating a powerful, deep foundation. The 5th string remains at A2, forming a natural D5 power chord with the open 6th string.
• Mid-Range Intrigue: The 4th string is tuned to C#4, a major 7th interval relative to the low D. This, combined with the 3rd string tuned to E3 (a major 9th from D), immediately suggests a rich, extended harmony.
• High End Clarity: The 2nd string is A3, providing another perfect 5th relative to D, while the 1st string remains at E4, reinforcing the major 9th.

When strummed open, the strings D2 A2 C#4 E3 A3 E4 collectively form a captivating open voicing. Arranged from lowest to highest pitch (D, A, E, A, C#, E), this essentially outlines a Dmaj7(add9) chord (Root, 5th, 9th, 5th, Maj7th, 9th). The absence of a natural 3rd (F#) in the open tuning allows for a more ambiguous, yet resonant, harmonic canvas, ready for subtle additions by fretting.

Open Chords and Harmonic Possibilities

• Dmaj7(add9) Voicing: Simply strumming the open strings yields this complex, shimmering chord. It's perfect for intros, sustained pads, or as a rich harmonic bed.
• Power Chords: The D2-A2 interval on the lowest two strings makes open D5 power chords effortlessly accessible. Shifting this shape up the neck allows for quick, strong root-fifth voicings across the lower register.
• Extended Chords: The inherent C# (Maj7) and E (9th) in the open tuning make it easy to form various D major 7th and 9th voicings by adding just a few fingers. For example, fretting the 3rd string at the 2nd fret (F#3) would complete a full Dmaj9.
• Modal Play: The open intervals lean heavily towards a D Lydian or D Major scale, encouraging bright, uplifting melodies over the rich harmonic foundation.
• Drone Effects: The sustained A notes on the 5th and 2nd strings, along with the E notes on the 3rd and 1st strings, can be used effectively as drones against moving bass lines or melodies.

This tuning is a fantastic playground for exploring modern fingerstyle, progressive rock, and jazz-influenced guitar work, providing a fresh perspective on chord voicings and melodic phrasing.

How to Tune to Of Age

To achieve the "Of Age" tuning, you will adjust your strings from standard EADGBe (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) as follows. Please take care when tuning, especially with significant pitch changes. Generally, tuning up more than 4 semitones or down more than 4 semitones might require a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or floppiness. For this specific tuning, all adjustments are within typical limits.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at E4.

Always use a reliable tuner to ensure accuracy for each string.