The Mark Kozelek tuning for guitar is a distinctive and atmospheric setup, known for its deep, resonant bass and uniquely voiced upper strings. This tuning moves away from standard EADGBe, creating a rich tapestry of open harmonies that are characteristic of Kozelek's melancholic and expansive soundscapes.

Technical Analysis

This guitar tuning sets the strings to D2 A2 D3 E3 B3 C5#, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string. It presents a fascinating blend of drone notes and wide intervals:

• Low End Foundation: The 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (D2, A2, D3) form a strong D5 power chord. This provides a deep, resonant base often found in drop tunings, allowing for powerful open string riffs and a full low register.
• Mid-Range Character: The 3rd string is tuned to E3, and the 2nd string to B3. These notes (E and B) form a perfect fifth, adding a sense of stability and often hinting at an E minor or E major tonality, though the full triad is not present in the open strings.
• Striking High Register: The 1st string is tuned to a remarkably high C5#. This note creates a significant leap in pitch from the B3 below it (an octave and a major second interval), resulting in a very open, bright, and ethereal quality. This wide interval across the upper strings contributes significantly to the tuning's unique sonic signature.

Chords and Playability

While not an 'open chord' tuning in the traditional sense (like Open G or Open D where all strings form a common major/minor triad), the Mark Kozelek tuning offers unique harmonic possibilities:

• Open Voicings: The open strings D-A-D-E-B-C# themselves create a complex and rich voicing. The presence of D, A, D along with E, B, and C# suggests a Dsus2 (D E A), with added elements. Specifically, it can be interpreted as a Dmaj7(add2, add6) or Dmaj9(add6) without a 3rd, resulting in a dreamy, suspended, or Lydian-esque sound.
• Drones and Pedals: The repeated D notes (D2, D3) and the strong D-A perfect fifth allow for powerful drones, especially useful for atmospheric and contemplative music.
• Chord Shapes: Standard chord shapes will need significant adjustment. However, simplified two- and three-note voicings using the D-A-D base can be easily achieved. Exploring shapes that leverage the E-B fifth and the high C# will unlock the tuning's full potential, often leading to unusual and evocative harmonies. Barre chords across the lower three or four strings will yield powerful results due to the D-A-D foundation.
• Melodic Opportunities: The distinct intervals, particularly the prominent high C5#, can inspire unique melodic lines that would be challenging to achieve in standard tuning.

This tuning is ideal for players looking to explore non-standard harmonies and create spacious, resonant soundscapes, particularly suited for indie, alternative, or folk genres where an expressive and unique sonic palette is desired.

How to Tune to Mark Kozelek

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C5#.