The "Open D Alt" tuning is a unique and expressive guitar tuning, as described by its creator, it was created while writing a solo part. This suggests an immediate utility for melodic exploration and a less conventional approach to harmony.

Verbal Analysis

At its heart, this tuning provides a strong, resonant D major 6th chord when played open. The low strings (D2-A2-D3-A3) establish a solid D power chord foundation with octave reinforcement, creating a deep drone. The introduction of B3 on the second string adds a bright major 6th, giving the open chord a rich, sophisticated quality. The most striking feature is the extremely high F5# on the first string. This F# is the major third of D, but its significantly elevated octave (two octaves above the root D2) allows for shimmering, bell-like tones and arpeggiated figures that cut through the mix. This particular voicing makes the tuning well-suited for intricate fingerpicking, slide guitar, or melodic soloing, where the individual notes can ring out and interact. The high F# ensures a bright, airy quality, differentiating it significantly from more common open D tunings.

When exploring chords, barring across a single fret will produce a D major 6th shape in a different key, making it very intuitive for moving harmonic ideas up and down the neck. However, traditional chord shapes will need significant re-learning due to the unique intervals, especially the high F#. This tuning invites players to think outside standard boxes, leveraging the open strings for drones and melodic movements.

Technical Analysis

The open notes are D2-A2-D3-A3-B3-F5#. Analyzing the intervals relative to D:

• String 6 (D2): Root
• String 5 (A2): Perfect 5th
• String 4 (D3): Root (octave)
• String 3 (A3): Perfect 5th (octave)
• String 2 (B3): Major 6th
• String 1 (F5#): Major 3rd (two octaves higher than the D2 root)

Harmonically, this forms a Dmaj6 chord (D-F#-A-B) with a distinct voicing due to the octave displacement of the F#. The tuning deviates significantly from the standard Open D (DADF#AD), introducing a B (M6) and raising the high E to F# (M3) by two semitones. The wide interval between the lowest D2 and highest F5# (a full two octaves and a major third) creates a vast sonic landscape for exploration.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Open D Alt" tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E 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 G to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 2 semitones from E to F5#.

Please exercise caution when tuning up strings. While these movements are within typical limits for standard gauge strings, always ensure your guitar's structural integrity and avoid excessive tension. For any string movement exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is advisable, though not strictly required for this particular tuning.

String 6: D2 (Low D)
String 5: A2 (A)
String 4: D3 (D)
String 3: A3 (A)
String 2: B3 (B)
String 1: F5# (High F sharp)