Prepare for an innovative sonic journey with the D Lydian Math Tuning. Developed by Gerald Thornton (Gerry Tea), this tuning is specifically crafted for a math rock song featured on the upcoming Bias album, promising a fresh and intricate sound palette.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately conjures a bright, almost ethereal sound, infused with the characteristic tension and resolution often found in math rock. The presence of the Lydian mode, particularly the prominent G# (augmented fourth), gives it a distinctly uplifting and "dreamy" quality, while the non-standard intervals create unexpected harmonic possibilities. The wide register jump between the fifth and fourth strings means the higher strings will ring out with shimmering clarity above a solid, low-end foundation. Unconventionally, the first (thinnest) string is tuned lower than the second string, opening up unique voicings and angular melodic potential. It's designed to inspire intricate arpeggios, dissonant clusters, and open-voiced chords that defy traditional expectations.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are configured as D2 A2 C#4 F#4 G#4 E4 (from the thickest 6th string to the thinnest 1st string). This unique arrangement allows for the full D Lydian scale (D, E, F#, G#, A, C#) to be present across the open strings, making it a truly modal tuning. The intervals between adjacent strings are:

• 6th String (D2) to 5th String (A2): Perfect 5th Up
• 5th String (A2) to 4th String (C#4): Major 3rd Up + 2 Octaves (A to C#) - a significant register leap.
• 4th String (C#4) to 3rd String (F#4): Perfect 4th Up
• 3rd String (F#4) to 2nd String (G#4): Major 2nd Up
• 2nd String (G#4) to 1st String (E4): Major 3rd Down. This is a highly unconventional interval for adjacent guitar strings, meaning the highest-pitched string (1st) is tuned lower than the string next to it (2nd). This creates unique possibilities for voice leading and angular melodic phrasing.

Strumming all open strings yields a complex and rich voicing akin to a Dmaj9#11 (D, A, C#, F#, G#, E). This chord inherently carries the bright Lydian sound due to the #11 (G#). The low D and A provide a powerful root and fifth, while the upper strings create a vibrant, extended harmony. Chords like open D major (D-F#-A) are easily accessible by muting certain strings, and the close proximity of F#4, G#4, and E4 (with E4 being lower) allows for interesting melodic runs or dissonant clusters in the higher register, emphasizing the tuning's experimental nature.

How to Tune

To achieve the D Lydian Math Tuning, begin from standard EADGBe tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4) and adjust your strings as follows. Please note the recommended caution for significant string movements:

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

Important Note: While all these movements are generally safe for standard string gauges, tuning down 3 semitones on the 2nd string is a noticeable change. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different string gauge is typically advised to maintain optimal tension and playability, though this tuning does not reach that extreme.

6th String (Low E): D2
5th String (A): A2
4th String (D): C#4
3rd String (G): F#4
2nd String (B): G#4
1st String (High E): E4