This fascinating Open D(#11) Tuning offers a unique and exploratory soundscape for your guitar, moving beyond conventional tunings. As described in the original notes, it's a tuning one might "stumble across while messing around," and it certainly rewards that curiosity with a rich and distinctive sonic palette. It's particularly well-suited for players looking to discover new harmonic possibilities, experiment with modern voicings, or create music with an intriguing, slightly dissonant brightness.

Technical Analysis

The tuning establishes a strong root of D across three octaves (D2, D3, D4) on the 6th, 4th, and 1st strings, providing a powerful, resonant foundation. The full open string voicing is D2-A2-D3-F#4-G#4-D4.

• The presence of D, A, and F# clearly outlines a D Major triad.
• The most distinctive element is the G#4 on the 2nd string. In relation to the D root, G# functions as an Augmented Fourth (or a #11), introducing a bright, piquant tension that elevates the basic D major sound into a more sophisticated and contemporary voicing, akin to a Dmaj(add#11) chord.
• Intervals from the lowest string (D2): Perfect 5th (D2-A2), Octave (D2-D3), Major 10th (D2-F#4), Augmented 11th (D2-G#4), Double Octave (D2-D4).

This tuning inherently provides a rich, complex open chord, which encourages a different approach to chord construction and melodic phrasing.

Chords and Playability

• Open Chord: The open strings resonate as a beautiful Dmaj(add#11) chord, offering a unique starting point for compositions.
• Power Chords: The low D-A-D (6th, 5th, 4th strings) makes forming power chords rooted on D very straightforward. Barring these three strings at any fret will easily create X5 power chords.
• Unique Voicings: Traditional chord shapes will be completely recontextualized, leading to fresh sounds. Barring all six strings at a single fret will produce a series of Dmaj(add#11) chords up the neck (e.g., 2nd fret for Emaj(add#11)).
• Melodic Potential: The close intervals on the high strings (F#4, G#4, D4) allow for interesting melodic runs and arpeggios that might not be intuitive in standard tuning. The G# creates a leading tone effect to the A (if played) or a bright, sustained tension.

This tuning challenges players to think outside the box, rewarding experimentation with new harmonic landscapes and unexpected fingerings.

The 6th string (formerly low E) is tuned to D2.
The 5th string (formerly A) is tuned to A2.
The 4th string (formerly D) is tuned to D3.
The 3rd string (formerly G) is tuned to F#4.
The 2nd string (formerly B) is tuned to G#4.
The 1st string (formerly high E) is tuned to D4.

How to Tune Your Guitar

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

All string adjustments are within a range where standard string gauges should perform adequately. However, always exercise caution when making significant tuning changes.