Verbal Analysis:

The "Modified Bomber" tuning offers a rich, resonant soundscape, perfectly aligning with its description of "cool sounds" and "deep chordal character." The open strings create a beautiful D Major 6th chord (D-A-D-F#-B), making for a very full and harmonious open strum. The low D2 and A2 strings provide a strong, foundational bass, while the D3, F#4, and B3 on the higher strings add a bright, ringing quality. This tuning feels intuitive for exploring melodic ideas within the D major scale and its relative minor (B minor), yet also invites experimentation with more exotic voicings. The substantial drop on the first string (down 5 semitones) means that many familiar chord shapes will need to be re-learned, but it also opens up exciting new possibilities for voicings and drone notes.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is based around a D tonal center, specifically a D Major 6th chord. The open notes are D2, A2, D3, F#4, and B3. Let's break down the intervals:

• String 5 (D2) to String 4 (A2): A Perfect 5th up (7 semitones).
• String 4 (A2) to String 3 (D3): A Perfect 4th up (5 semitones).
• String 3 (D3) to String 2 (F#4): A Major Tenth up (an octave plus a Major Third, 16 semitones). This is a significant jump, giving the F# a bright, high presence.
• String 2 (F#4) to String 1 (B3): A Perfect 5th down (7 semitones). This large drop on the first string changes the typical linear progression and creates unique voicings.

The presence of the D-A-D on the lower strings establishes a solid power chord foundation. The F# (major third) and B (major sixth) on the higher strings complete the Dmaj6 harmony. The non-standard intervals between the higher strings (Major Tenth then a descending Perfect Fifth) suggest a tuning designed for specific chordal textures rather than easy scale navigation across adjacent strings using typical patterns. However, the presence of octaves (D2, D3) and the strong D major harmony make this a very musically coherent tuning. Due to the significant drop of the 1st string (5 semitones), a lighter gauge string might be beneficial for playability and tension, or conversely, careful setup if a standard gauge is kept.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Modified Bomber" tuning, refer to the following instructions for each string. Please take care when tuning, especially with larger adjustments:

• String 5: Target note D2. Tune down 2 semitones. (This movement implies a starting note of E2 for this string's position).
• String 4: Target note A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (This movement implies a starting note of A2 for this string's position).
• String 3: Target note D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (This movement implies a starting note of D3 for this string's position).
• String 2: Target note F#4. Tune down 1 semitone. (This movement implies a starting note of G4 for this string's position).
• String 1: Target note B3. Tune down 5 semitones. (This movement implies a starting note of E4 for this string's position). *Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for optimal tension and playability, or have your guitar professionally set up.

Here are the notes for each string, from the lowest (String 5) to the highest (String 1) in the "Modified Bomber" tuning:

• String 5: D2
• String 4: A2
• String 3: D3
• String 2: F#4
• String 1: B3