Tuning Overview: Pelican with Sunglasses

This unique tuning, aptly named "Pelican with Sunglasses," is a creative adaptation designed to unlock new harmonic possibilities, particularly for players interested in jazzy chord voicings. Originating as a modification of the "Pelican" tuning, which itself built upon the popular DADGAD, this setup prioritizes a rich, open sound with an emphasis on extended chords.

Technical Analysis

The tuning for a 6-string Guitar is set to D2-A2-D3-E3-B3-D4 (low to high). Compared to standard E tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), the primary adjustments are:

• The 6th string is tuned down a whole step from E to D (D2).
• The 3rd string is tuned down from G to E (E3). This is a significant drop of a major third (4 semitones) from its standard pitch.
• The 1st string is tuned down a whole step from E to D (D4).
• The 5th, 4th, and 2nd strings remain at their standard pitches of A2, D3, and B3, respectively.

The open strings (D-A-D-E-B-D) present a distinctive harmonic landscape. The lowest three strings (D-A-D) form a powerful open D power chord, providing a strong, resonant foundation. The higher strings introduce a Major 2nd (E) and Major 6th (B) relative to the root D, creating an open D6/9 (no 3rd) or Dadd9/6 (no 3rd) voicing. This absence of a major or minor third in the open tuning contributes to its versatility, allowing it to easily adapt to various harmonic contexts, from modal landscapes to contemporary jazz fusion.

Chords and Playability

This tuning excels in facilitating "jazzy chords" as intended. The inherent D6/9 (no 3rd) quality of the open strings means that simple barre chords become instant extensions. For instance:

• A barre across all strings at the 5th fret would yield G-D-G-A-E-G (low to high), creating an open G6/9 (no 3rd) chord.
• Similarly, a barre at the 7th fret would give A-E-A-B-F#-A, an open A6/9 (no 3rd) chord.

This consistent intervallic structure across the fretboard simplifies playing complex extended chords with minimal finger movement. The open D strings (6th, 4th, 1st) and the A string (5th) also make for easy drone notes and resonant open string patterns. The "Sunglasses" aspect likely refers to the cool, sophisticated, and slightly unconventional sound this tuning achieves, offering a fresh perspective for chordal accompaniment and melodic improvisation.

How to Tune (from E Standard)

To achieve the "Pelican with Sunglasses" tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these instructions:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune your 6th string to D2 by tuning it down 2 semitones.
• 5th String (A): Tune your 5th string to A2; keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune your 4th string to D3; keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Tune your 3rd string to E3 by tuning it down 3 semitones.
• 2nd String (B): Tune your 2nd string to B3; keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 1st String (High E): Tune your 1st string to D4 by tuning it down 2 semitones.

Note: Always tune carefully and check string tension. While none of the described movements exceed a four-semitone change, significant tension changes should always be approached with caution.

6th String (Lowest): D2

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: E3

2nd String: B3

1st String (Highest): D4