The "Witness" tuning for Guitar is an intriguing open tuning designed to offer unique harmonic possibilities and facilitate easy scale playing, as intended by its creator. This tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, presenting a rich, open sound that leans towards an extended minor tonality.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to D2-A2-E3-A3-B3-E4 (low to high). Compared to standard tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4):

• The 6th string (low E) is tuned down a full step to D2.
• The 5th string (A) remains at A2.
• The 4th string (D) is tuned up a full step to E3.
• The 3rd string (G) is tuned up a full step to A3.
• The 2nd string (B) remains at B3.
• The 1st string (high E) remains at E4.

This configuration results in the open notes D, A, E, A, B, E. When viewed with E as the root, the notes present are E (R), B (P5), D (m7), and A (P4/11). This strongly suggests an E minor 11 (Em11) chord, offering a complex yet melodically rich sonic foundation. The open tuning provides a resonant, full sound, which can be particularly effective for atmospheric or modern compositions.

Verbal and Playability Analysis:

As per the creator's intention, this tuning excels in providing "easy scales." The inherent Em11 sound means that scales and arpeggios in the E minor or E Dorian modes will naturally sound very consonant and fluid over the open strings. The repetition of E and A across different octaves creates a sense of depth and allows for droning notes that can underpin melodic phrases. The open E and B (perfect fifth) combined with the D (minor seventh) and A (fourth/eleventh) create a harmonically rich landscape.

For chord shapes, simply strumming all open strings yields an Em11 chord. Barring across a single fret will instantly produce various minor, suspended, or dominant 7th voicings relative to the open strings. For instance:

• Open Strum: Em11 (D-A-E-A-B-E)
• 1st Fret Bar: Fmaj7sus2/D (D-A-F-A-C-F) - though the D and A bass notes will alter the perceived root.
• 2nd Fret Bar: Gsus2add4/E (E-B-G-B-D-G) - similar concept, the bass notes are crucial.

The relatively even spacing of notes (D-A is a fifth, A-E is a fifth, E-A is a fourth, A-B is a second, B-E is a fourth) provides a unique fretboard logic. This encourages horizontal movement and droning, making it ideal for fingerstyle, ambient textures, or melodic lead lines that highlight the minor 7th and 11th intervals.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Witness" tuning from standard EADGBe:

• 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): Tune up 2 semitones from D to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

All string adjustments are within a safe range of +/- 2 semitones. While tuning up the 3rd and 4th strings by two semitones, always exercise caution to avoid string breakage.

6th String: D2

5th String: A2

4th String: E3

3rd String: A3

2nd String: B3

1st String: E4