Tuning Analysis: Open D Enigma

The provided tuning, which we've named "Open D Enigma," transforms your standard guitar into a canvas for rich, complex harmonic textures. As described in the tuning's original intent: "This tuning provides a good open sound with flexibility to move up and down the neck and maintain interesting overtones."

Verbal Analysis

"Open D Enigma" evokes a sense of mystery and depth, immediately apparent when strumming the open strings. Unlike simpler open tunings that yield straightforward major or minor chords, this setup creates a sophisticated, suspended sound with a strong minor seventh and added ninth quality. It's a tuning that encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, inviting players to discover unique melodic and harmonic possibilities across the fretboard. The open sound is full and resonant, perfect for intricate fingerstyle, ambient soundscapes, or even modern rock and jazz compositions seeking a distinct sonic identity. The substantial detuning of the higher strings contributes to a slacker feel, which can be advantageous for expressive bending and vibrato, adding to its overall versatility and emotional range.

Technical Analysis

The Open D Enigma tuning sets your guitar's strings to the following notes, from low to high: D2, A2, D3, E3, G3, C4. Let's break down the intervals and harmonic implications from the root D:

• 6th String (D2): The foundational root, providing a deep bass.
• 5th String (A2): A perfect fifth above the root D. This string, along with the 6th and 4th strings, establishes a strong D power chord foundation.
• 4th String (D3): An octave above the 6th string, further reinforcing the D root and adding body to the sound.
• 3rd String (E3): A major second (or 9th) above D. This introduces a bright, slightly extended harmony, adding complexity and a touch of open-endedness to the chord.
• 2nd String (G3): A perfect fourth above D. This creates a strong suspended (sus4) quality, giving the open chord a characteristic floating or unresolved feel.
• 1st String (C4): A minor seventh above D. This note firmly places the open chord into a minor 7th context, contributing to its sophisticated jazz-like or bluesy character.

When all open strings are strummed, the resulting chord is a complex Dm7sus4(add9). This chord is exceptionally rich and somewhat dark, with a unique blend of suspended, minor, and extended harmonies. It's a modern voicing that transcends typical open tunings, offering a unique sonic palette ideal for adventurous musicians. The repetition of D notes and the prominent A ensure a strong D-centric feel, while the E, G, and C notes add significant harmonic color and tension.

Chordal Possibilities:

• Open Chord Resonance: The immediate Dm7sus4(add9) offers a full, resonant sound, perfect for atmospheric passages, arpeggios, or as a powerful, sustained drone.
• Movable Power Chords: By barring across the lower three strings (D-A-D) at any fret, you can easily create movable power chords. These can then be embellished by allowing the higher E, G, C strings to ring open or by fretting them to create unexpected harmonic clusters and sustained drones.
• Unique Voicings: The non-standard intervals between the higher strings (M2nd, m3rd, P4th) will lead to unconventional fingerings for common chord types, encouraging players to discover fresh and often surprising voicings and arpeggios. For example, simple two-finger shapes on the G and C strings can create interesting dyads that interact harmonically with the open lower strings.
• Melodic Exploration: The open strings provide a flexible harmonic bed over which melodies can be crafted on any individual string. This allows for wide interval jumps, unexpected resolutions, and the use of open string drones beneath fretted lines, making it highly expressive for melodic playing.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open D Enigma

To achieve the "Open D Enigma" tuning, you will need to adjust several strings from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning. Pay close attention to the semitone movements and string tension.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones. This brings your low E string down to D2. This is a moderate adjustment and generally safe for standard gauge strings.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your A string remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Your D string remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones. This brings your G string down to E3. This is a moderate adjustment and generally safe for standard gauge strings.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones. This brings your B string down to G3. Please note: A 4 semitone drop is significant. While typically manageable on standard gauge strings, consistently using this tuning or pushing these strings further may warrant considering a slightly heavier gauge to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones. This brings your high E string down to C4. Please note: Similar to the 2nd string, a 4 semitone drop is substantial. For long-term use or if you experience very loose tension, a heavier gauge string is recommended to maintain playability and intonation.

Always tune carefully and check your intonation after significant changes to ensure your guitar plays in tune across the fretboard.

Here are the specific notes for each string in the "Open D Enigma" tuning, from lowest to highest pitch:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: G3
• 1st String: C4