The "AEN STANDARD" tuning, as described by Aen of Dwarfcraft Devices, offers a unique and resonant sonic landscape for guitarists.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard guitar into an open, drone-like instrument with a strong emphasis on the root and fifth. The lowest three strings (D2-A2-D3) immediately form a powerful D5 chord, providing a solid, heavy foundation. The repeated A3 on the third string adds thickness and resonance to the fifth, while the high E4 string introduces a bright, slightly dissonant, yet captivating element – a major 2nd (or 9th) against the low D. This creates a sound that is both open and expansive, capable of producing rich, droning textures, as well as driving, aggressive riffs. It's well-suited for experimental music, ambient soundscapes, or heavy rock/metal where unique voicings are desired. Strumming all open strings yields a sound that hints at Dsus2 but with a distinctly powerful and open character.

Chords will feel different in this tuning, but open D power chords are readily available on the lower strings. Barre chords will also take on new voicings, potentially simplifying some complex fingerings while demanding new approaches for others, offering fresh harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar strings to D2-A2-D3-A3-A3-E4. Compared to standard E tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), this involves several distinct changes:

• The 6th string is tuned down a full step from E2 to D2, establishing a low root.
• The 5th string remains at A2, serving as a perfect fifth to the D.
• The 4th string remains at D3, an octave of the root.
• The 3rd string is tuned up a full step from G3 to A3, reinforcing the perfect fifth.
• The 2nd string is tuned down a full step from B3 to A3, creating a unison with the 3rd string (A3).
• The 1st string remains at E4, introducing a major 2nd (or 9th) interval above the fundamental D.

The resulting intervals from the lowest D are: Root (D), Perfect 5th (A), Octave (D), Perfect 5th (A), Perfect 5th (A), Major 9th (E). The unique features are the unison A3 on the 3rd and 2nd strings, and the prominent Major 9th (E) on the highest string, creating a resonant, ringing quality that prevents it from being a simple major or minor chord but rather a rich, open voicing.

How to Tune

To achieve the AEN STANDARD tuning from a standard EADGBe tuning, follow these precise steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

All string movements in this tuning are within 2 semitones up or down. These adjustments are generally safe for standard guitar string gauges. However, always exercise caution when adjusting string tension and ensure your instrument can handle the changes.

String 6: D2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: A3

String 2: A3

String 1: E4