Verbal Analysis:

This unique tuning, which the original creator described as simply sounding 'pretty nice' on a YouTube video, certainly delivers a distinctive sonic character. It presents a bright and resonant sound, with a clear major tonality that evokes atmospheric soundscapes and shimmering, open textures. The low D (D2) provides a deep, solid foundation, giving power to the bass similar to Drop D tunings. The extremely high pitch of the first string (C#5) suggests a very bright, almost harp-like or bell-like quality in the upper register, capable of creating unique accents and lead lines, though it is an unusually high note for the first string.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to D-A-D-A-E-C#. The tuning establishes a core D-A-D-A foundation across the four lowest strings, which is essentially a D power chord spread across two octaves. This provides a rich, open D sound without the third (F#). The 2nd string is tuned to E3, a major 2nd (or 9th) above the D root, adding harmonic complexity. The 1st string is tuned to C#5, which is a major 7th above the D root, but at an unusually high octave for a guitar's 1st string. If the 1st string were C#4 (a more typical octave for a -3 semitone drop from standard E4), the open tuning would strongly imply a D major 7th (D-A-C#) with an added 9th (E).

This configuration makes open D major and D major 7th shapes very accessible. Chords like open D, Dsus2, Dsus4 (using the A on string 3), and Dmaj7 (by fretting the F# on string 4 or 3) would be particularly easy to achieve and would resonate beautifully. The significant drop in tension required for the 2nd string (B to E, 7 semitones down) and the specific target note of C#5 on the 1st string (which, if tuned from a standard E4, would be an extreme increase in tension or require a significantly different string setup) suggest potential string tension issues or the need for specific string gauges for optimal playability and intonation.

How to Tune:

• String 6 (Low E): Starting from standard E2, tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Starting from standard A2, keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target is A2.
• String 4 (D): Starting from standard D3, keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target is D3.
• String 3 (G): Starting from standard G3, tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2 (B): Starting from standard B3, tune down 7 semitones to E3. Careful consideration: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant change. A different string gauge may be advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 1 (High E): Starting from standard E4, tune down 3 semitones to C#4.

String 6: D2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: A3

String 2: E3

String 1: C5#