Tuning Overview: Jacob Collier's 5-String Tuning

Jacob Collier's 5-string tuning is an exceptionally innovative and resonant configuration for the guitar, designed to open up a broad spectrum of harmonic possibilities. As described, this tuning focuses on a specific 5-string setup, offering a rich and open sound that moves beyond conventional guitar voicings.

The open string notes for this tuning are D2-A2-E3-A3-D4. This arrangement provides a unique sound palette, moving from deep, resonant lows to clear, ringing highs.

Technical Analysis:

When analyzed by intervals from the lowest D2 string, the tuning presents a fascinating structure:

• String 5 (D2) to String 4 (A2): Perfect 5th
• String 4 (A2) to String 3 (E3): Perfect 5th
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (A3): Perfect 4th
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th

This sequence of perfect fifths followed by perfect fourths creates a very open and harmonically rich foundation. The two consecutive perfect fifths in the lower register provide a powerful, wide bass, while the perfect fourths on the higher strings contribute to easy melodic and chordal movement.

Chords and Harmonic Possibilities:

• Open Chord Voicing: Strumming the open strings (D2-A2-E3-A3-D4) yields a distinctive sound. The notes D, A, and E are present, creating an open Dadd9 chord (missing the F#). This provides a rich, suspended, or added-ninth quality without any fretting, perfect for ambient or modal explorations.
• Accessible D Major: A simple and powerful D Major chord (D-F#-A) is easily formed by fretting the 3rd string (E3) at the 2nd fret, changing it to F#3. This results in the open chord D-A-F#-A-D, a full and resonant D Major triad.
• Barre Chords: Due to the consistent Perfect 4th intervals on the upper three strings (E3-A3-D4), barre chords will yield interesting and often additive voicings. For instance, a full barre at the 2nd fret would produce E-B-F#-B-E, essentially an Eadd9 chord. This allows for quick transposition of complex harmonic clusters.
• Melodic and Harmonic Versatility: The tuning's unique intervals make it well-suited for both lush arpeggios and expansive melodic lines. The repeating D and A notes across different octaves provide anchors, while the central E adds a fascinating tension and color, allowing for explorations into Lydian or other modes over a D root. This tuning encourages creative fretboard navigation and unexpected harmonic discoveries.

How to Tune: Jacob Collier's 5-String Tuning (D-A-E-A-D)

To achieve Jacob Collier's unique 5-string tuning, follow these precise adjustments from a standard 5-string E-A-D-G-B setup:

• String 5 (Lowest String): Currently E2, tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 4: Currently A2, keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains A2.
• String 3: Currently D3, tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 2: Currently G3, tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Currently B3, tune up 3 semitones to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly up or down, especially by more than 4 semitones in either direction (i.e., less than -4 or more than +4 semitones), it's highly recommended to consider using a different gauge string. This helps prevent string breakage and ensures proper tension and intonation for your instrument. For this tuning, the highest string is tuned up by 3 semitones, which is generally acceptable with standard gauges, but always exercise caution and listen to your guitar.