Verbal Analysis

This unique tuning, attributed to Scott Huckabay and potentially inspired by his song "Into the Spirit", aims to evoke a specific resonant quality. The creator notes its connection to the "528hz love frequency", suggesting an intention for a harmonious, uplifting, or meditative sound. While the tuning was developed by ear, it promises a distinctive sonic landscape that feels open and bright, with some surprising melodic turns on the higher strings.

Technical Analysis

The tuning sets the open strings of the guitar to D2 A2 D3 E3 G#4 A3 (from the lowest to the highest string). The foundation of this tuning is a strong D Power Chord (D5) established by the lowest three strings (D2-A2-D3). Adding the 3rd string tuned to E3 introduces a major 9th to the D root, creating a resonant Dsus2 or Dadd9 quality in the lower register.

The higher strings present the most intriguing aspect of this tuning. The 2nd string is tuned to G#4, and the 1st string to A3. Notably, the G#4 on the 2nd string is *higher in pitch* than the A3 on the 1st string. This unconventional inversion of pitch on the highest two strings offers unique opportunities for arpeggiated melodic lines that can descend across strings with an ascending order of string numbers.

The overall harmonic content from the open strings (D, E, G#, A, with duplicates) doesn't form a conventional major or minor triad. Instead, it leans towards an open, suspended, or even slightly dissonant character due to the G# (which can be heard as an augmented 4th relative to D, or a major 3rd of E). This suggests the tuning is optimized for drones, specific melodic phrases, or ambient textures rather than traditional chord voicings. Chords like open D5 or Dsus2 are readily available, and the unique upper intervals invite creative exploration beyond standard harmony.

How to Tune

Here are the instructions to achieve the Scott Huckabay 'Spirit' Open D Tuning. Please refer to your guitar's standard EADGBe tuning as a common starting point, though the instructions below specify the exact movement to reach the target note:

• String 6 (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B to G#4): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to A3): Tune down 7 semitones.

Important Tuning Advice:

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension. Generally, for movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down) from standard pitch, a different string gauge may be advised to maintain optimal playability and prevent string breakage. In this tuning, String 1 requires a significant drop of 7 semitones, which is a considerable change. While possible with standard strings, heavier gauge strings might offer better tension and tone stability for such a large downward adjustment.