Verbal Description

The 'Svend Kristensen' tuning for guitar presents a deep, resonant sound profile, largely due to the significant detuning of its middle strings. It retains the low D and high E of a standard dropped-D tuning, but introduces a dramatic shift in the 3rd and 2nd strings (G and B respectively). These strings are tuned down to C and F, creating a distinctive, almost melancholic or open-ended harmonic landscape. This unique configuration lends itself to rich, full voicings, often hinting at minor or dominant 7th chords with extended harmonies, and provides excellent foundations for drone-like playing or intricate fingerstyle.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is an altered Drop D variant, with the open string notes being D2 A2 D3 C3 F3 E4. Comparing to standard EADGBe tuning:

• The 6th string (low E) is tuned down two semitones to D2.
• The 5th string (A) remains at A2.
• The 4th string (D) remains at D3.
• The 3rd string (G) is heavily dropped seven semitones to C3.
• The 2nd string (B) is also significantly lowered six semitones to F3.
• The 1st string (high E) remains at E4.

The intervallic structure from low to high is: Perfect 5th (D-A), Perfect 4th (A-D), Minor 7th (D-C), Perfect 4th (C-F), Minor 2nd (F-E). This creates a unique harmonic framework. The lowest three strings (D-A-D) form an open D5 power chord, providing a strong tonal center. The addition of C3 and F3 strongly suggests a D minor 7 chord (D-F-A-C) within the open strings. With the high E4, the full open tuning can be interpreted as a Dm7(add9) or even a Cmaj7sus2/D, offering a sophisticated and rich open voicing.

Chordal Opportunities

The open strings themselves form a complex and evocative chord:

• Open Dm7(add9): The notes D-A-D-C-F-E directly spell out a D minor 7 chord with an added 9th (E). This makes for an incredibly rich, dark, and jazz-influenced open chord.
• Open D5 Power Chord: The 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (D-A-D) provide an immediate, powerful D5 chord, perfect for rhythmic accompaniment.
• C Major 7 Voicings: By selectively muting the low D, the middle strings (A-D-C-F-E) offer interesting C major 7 related voicings, particularly with the C and F creating a P4 interval.

Due to the close proximity of C-F-E on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings, unique melodic and cluster voicings become readily available with minimal fretting, especially for arpeggiated figures.

How to Tune

Before tuning, ensure your guitar is in standard EADGBe. Then, adjust each string as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2. (Movement: 0 semitones)
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3. (Movement: 0 semitones)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. (Movement: -7 semitones) Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string for your 3rd string is strongly advised to maintain tension and intonation.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones to F3. (Movement: -6 semitones) Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string for your 2nd string is strongly advised to maintain tension and intonation.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4. (Movement: 0 semitones)

Here are the notes for each string of the 'Svend Kristensen' tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• String 6: D2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: C3
• String 2: F3
• String 1: E4