This is the tuning for the song Blindfold by Red House Painters. From the album "Red House Painters II", or more well known as "Bridge".

Verbal Analysis

The "Blindfold Dm(add Bb) Open Tuning" creates a uniquely resonant and melancholic soundscape. The low D-A-D foundation provides a powerful, droning bass often associated with open D or drop D tunings, giving the guitar a full, almost piano-like resonance. The introduction of F3 on the G string and particularly the A#4 (enharmonically Bb4) on the B string adds a distinctive flavor, moving beyond a simple D minor. This combination can evoke a dark, introspective, and atmospheric mood, characteristic of Red House Painters' style, allowing for rich harmonic textures and sustained chords.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E-A-D-G-B-E into D2-A2-D3-F3-A#4-D4.

• The open strings D2-A2-D3-F3-A#4-D4 form a D minor triad (D-F-A) with an added minor sixth (A#, or Bb). This gives it a D minor 6th feel, or it can be perceived as a Bb Major 7 chord (Bb-D-F-A) played over a low D drone.
• The lower three strings (D2-A2-D3) establish a powerful D5 power chord or an octave D, which is excellent for resonant open strumming and fingerpicking patterns.
• The interval structure provides a rich harmonic palette, allowing for complex voicings with minimal fingering. Open chords will naturally possess a haunting, minor-key quality with an interesting harmonic extension.
• Chord shapes will be significantly altered from standard tuning, opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities, particularly for droning notes and sustained chords around the D minor/Bb Major 7 framework.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Blindfold Dm(add Bb) Open Tuning" from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• Low E String (6th String): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• A String (5th String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• D String (4th String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• G String (3rd String): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• B String (2nd String): Tune down 1 semitones to A#4.
• High E String (1st String): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Tuning Note: While none of the individual string movements in this tuning exceed 4 semitones up or down, generally, for movements greater than 4 semitones in either direction, considering a different gauge string is advisable to maintain optimal tension and tone. Always tune carefully and gradually.

6th String (Low E): D2

5th String (A): A2

4th String (D): D3

3rd String (G): F3

2nd String (B): A#4

1st String (High E): D4