This unique tuning, known as "TTNG Havoc in the Forum," is specifically crafted for the band TTNG's song of the same name. It moves far beyond standard guitar voicings to create a rich, atmospheric, and technically intriguing soundscape.

Verbal Analysis

"Havoc in the Forum" tuning presents a deep, resonant foundation, predominantly centered around D, but quickly diverges into complex harmonic territories. The open strings offer a blend of melancholy and intricate beauty, leaning towards a sound that is both spacious and dense. It conjures images of math-rock complexities, ambient soundscapes, or even a progressive jazz-fusion aesthetic. The substantial drops in pitch, particularly on the G-string, suggest a playing style that might involve delicate fingerpicking, fluid melodic lines, or even percussive techniques that exploit the slackness of the lower-tension strings. It’s a tuning designed for expressive, non-standard chord voicings and arpeggios that shimmer with unique overtones.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning is configured as D A D C A E (from low to high). The root note D is strongly established by the lowest string and reinforced by the 4th string (D3), providing a solid tonal center. The 5th string (A2) provides a perfect fifth, creating a robust D power chord across the lowest three strings (D-A-D).

The distinctive character emerges with the 3rd string tuned to C3, a minor seventh above the low D. This immediately introduces a D minor 7th quality to the open voicing. The 2nd string is A3, an octave above the 5th string, reinforcing the perfect fifth. Finally, the 1st string is E4, a major ninth above the low D. When strummed open, this tuning creates a rich, extended D minor 7th add 9 (Dm9) chord, offering a sophisticated and slightly dissonant yet harmonious sound. The intervals present are D (root), A (perfect 5th), D (octave), C (minor 7th), A (perfect 5th), E (major 9th). This complex voicing opens up possibilities for suspended chords, intricate arpeggios, and melodic lines that leverage the unique intervallic relationships.

How to Tune

Please note that some of these string movements are significant. For movements exceeding -4 or +4 semitones, a different string gauge might be advisable to maintain optimal tension and tone.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones from G3 to C3. This is a substantial drop and may require a heavier string gauge for optimal playability and intonation.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E4.

This tuning sets your guitar strings to the following notes, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String (Low E string position): D2
• 5th String (A string position): A2
• 4th String (D string position): D3
• 3rd String (G string position): C3
• 2nd String (B string position): A3
• 1st String (High E string position): E4