Verbal Analysis

'The Devil's Crossing' is an incredibly unique and experimental tuning, born from its creator's desire to blend disparate open tunings on a single instrument. As its name suggests, this tuning delves into darker, more intense harmonic territory, purposefully avoiding conventional major or minor frameworks. It's a landscape rich with tension, dissonance, and potential for truly avant-garde expression. This tuning doesn't just offer an alternative sound; it demands a different approach to composition and playing, making it ideal for genres that embrace the unconventional, such as experimental metal, progressive rock, ambient soundscapes, or any style seeking a dark, unsettling, or profoundly original voice.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D2 A2 D3 G4# C4 D5#. Based on the specified string movements from standard tuning, the notes for the 3rd string (G4#) and 1st string (D5#) appear to be notated an octave higher than what is typically achieved on a standard guitar string for these respective positions (suggesting G#3 and D#4). However, using the literal notes provided, the interval structure creates a highly complex and dissonant open sound. When considering the more practical playable octaves (D2 A2 D3 G#3 C4 D#4), the intervals from low to high are:

• 6th string (D2) to 5th string (A2): A perfect fifth (P5)
• 5th string (A2) to 4th string (D3): A perfect fourth (P4)
• 4th string (D3) to 3rd string (G#3/G4#): A tritone (augmented fourth/diminished fifth). This is a highly dissonant and characteristic interval.
• 3rd string (G#3/G4#) to 2nd string (C4): A minor third (m3)
• 2nd string (C4) to 1st string (D#4/D5#): A minor third (m3) or augmented second.

The lowest three strings (D2 A2 D3) form a powerful D power chord, providing a strong, resonant, and often heavy foundation. In stark contrast, the upper three strings (G#3 C4 D#4) combine to form a G# augmented triad. The overall open voicing of D A D G# C D# is not a traditional chord but a dense, dissonant cluster. The prominent tritone between the 4th (D) and 3rd (G#) strings is a defining feature, imbuing the tuning with an inherently dark, tense, and unsettling quality.

Chords and Playability

'The Devil's Crossing' is designed for unconventional harmonic exploration rather than standard chord shapes. It encourages:

• Drones and Power Chords: The D-A-D foundation on the lower strings is excellent for heavy riffs, open string drones, and resonant power chords.
• Augmented and Dissonant Harmonies: The G#-C-D# triad on the higher strings can be utilized for exotic, unresolved, or 'climbing' chord fragments. By barring across these higher strings, you can easily generate various augmented chord voicings.
• Tension and Release: The inherent dissonance of the open tuning is a starting point for creating tension. Resolving to more consonant intervals (or not resolving at all) can be a powerful expressive tool.
• Melodic and Single-Note Lines: The unusual intervals between strings lend themselves to crafting unique melodic lines and arpeggios that can float over a droning base or interact in complex ways.
• Sparse Voicings: Rather than attempting full, six-string chords, focusing on two or three-note voicings will allow for more control over the harmonic texture and can highlight the intriguing intervals.

This tuning is a playground for experimental musicians, offering a distinct sonic palette for creating rich, complex, and often dark soundscapes that defy easy categorization.

How to Tune 'the devil's crossing'

Follow these steps to tune your guitar to 'the devil's crossing' from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning. Always use a reliable tuner and check your guitar's intonation after any significant tuning changes.

• 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 up 1 semitone from G to G4#.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone from B to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone from E to D5#.

Important Considerations:

The string movements required for 'the devil's crossing' are relatively minor. The largest downward adjustment is 2 semitones, and the largest upward adjustment is 1 semitone. For these changes, a standard guitar string gauge set should generally be suitable without needing to switch to a different gauge. Always exercise caution when tuning strings up, as excessive tension can lead to string breakage. Ensure your guitar's nut slots and bridge saddles are free from burrs and adequately lubricated to prevent string binding and maintain tuning stability.