About the 'Terminal Paradise' Tuning

This unique tuning, aptly named 'Terminal Paradise', is designed for the Guitar and was specifically created to play a piece of music bearing the same name. It offers a distinctive sonic landscape, characterized by its deep, resonant base and intriguing harmonic relationships.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D1 A1 D2 F#3 G2 D3, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. This tuning features a prominent D major tonality, reinforced by the D-A-D-F# triad present across the lower strings. The root note D appears on the 6th, 4th, and 1st strings, providing a strong foundation and a rich, ringing sustain.

• The interval between the 6th string (D1) and 5th string (A1) is a Perfect 5th (7 semitones).
• The interval between the 5th string (A1) and 4th string (D2) is a Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• The interval between the 4th string (D2) and 3rd string (F#3) is a compound Major 3rd (16 semitones, also known as a Major 10th).
• The interval between the 3rd string (F#3) and 2nd string (G2) is a descending Major 7th (11 semitones down), which is unusual and creates a distinct tension.
• The interval between the 2nd string (G2) and 1st string (D3) is a Perfect 5th (7 semitones).

When strummed open, this tuning primarily yields a D major chord with an added 4th (G), specifically a Dmaj(add4) or Dmaj(add11). The arrangement of D, F#, A, and G creates a complex yet resonant voicing. The closely voiced F#3 and G2 (a semitone apart, though separated by an octave) introduce a unique harmonic color, allowing for both consonant D major sounds and slightly dissonant, haunting textures, making it ideal for experimental or atmospheric music.

Playability and Chord Shapes

This D-centric tuning naturally facilitates open D major and D minor (by fretting F# to F) voicings, and powerful drone opportunities with the multiple D notes. The open D-A-D pattern on the lower strings allows for easy power chords. The unique interval between the 3rd (F#3) and 2nd (G2) strings will require players to adapt standard chord shapes, but also opens up possibilities for fresh voicings and melodic lines not easily achieved in standard tuning. Due to the extremely low D1 and A1 notes, a heavier gauge of strings is highly recommended to maintain string tension and intonation, especially if starting from a standard EADGBe tuning.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Terminal Paradise' tuning, adjust your guitar strings from their current state as follows. Please take care, especially with significant changes, and always tune slowly to avoid string breakage:

• 6th String: Tune up 1 semitone to reach D1.
• 5th String: Tune up 3 semitones to reach A1. As you are tuning up 3 semitones, proceed with care to avoid string breakage.
• 4th String: Tune up 3 semitones to reach D2. As you are tuning up 3 semitones, proceed with care to avoid string breakage.
• 3rd String: Tune up 2 semitones to reach F#3.
• 2nd String: Tune down 2 semitones to reach G2.
• 1st String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at D3.

The 'Terminal Paradise' tuning sets your guitar strings to the following open notes:

• 6th String (Low E): D1
• 5th String (A): A1
• 4th String (D): D2
• 3rd String (G): F#3
• 2nd String (B): G2
• 1st String (High E): D3