Tuning Analysis: Twisted Dmaj9 Twinkle

This unique guitar tuning, which we've named "Twisted Dmaj9 Twinkle", is described by its creator as ideal for "twinkly emo guitar". The initial goal was an open F# tuning, which has been successfully achieved in this iteration with a Dmaj9 chord. This tuning offers a rich, resonant sound with some surprising twists, perfect for creating atmospheric and emotionally charged soundscapes.

Technical Breakdown

• Open Strings: The guitar is tuned to D2-A2-E3-F4#-C5#-E4 (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string).
• Chord Formation: The open strings collectively form a beautiful and full Dmaj9 chord (D, F#, A, C#, E). This means that strumming all open strings will yield a harmonically rich, extended major sound without fretting any notes.
• Unique Voicing: A particularly distinctive and unconventional feature of this tuning is the relationship between the two highest strings. The 2nd string (C5#) is tuned higher in pitch than the 1st string (E4). This inversion creates a highly unique voicing and will encourage players to rethink traditional chord shapes and melodic patterns, opening up new sonic possibilities for unique voicings and arpeggios that contribute to a "twinkly" sound.
• Intervals (Low to High):
  • 6th String (D2) to 5th String (A2): Perfect 5th
  • 5th String (A2) to 4th String (E3): Perfect 5th
  • 4th String (E3) to 3rd String (F4#): Major 2nd (or Major 9th)
  • 3rd String (F4#) to 2nd String (C5#): Perfect 5th
  • 2nd String (C5#) to 1st String (E4): Minor 3rd (downwards)

Playing & Exploration

The Dmaj9 open chord makes this tuning highly suitable for atmospheric playing, open-string drones, and intricate arpeggios. The unique inversion of the high E and C# strings encourages experimental lead lines and chord voicings that would be impossible in standard tuning. Players might find themselves using fewer strings for certain chords or exploring fingerings that span across the reversed high strings, yielding bright, shimmering, and sometimes melancholic textures perfectly aligned with the "twinkly emo" aesthetic. Common chord shapes will need to be re-imagined, but the open Dmaj9 provides a strong harmonic foundation to build upon.

How to Tune Your Guitar

For this tuning, you'll be adjusting several strings from standard EADGBe tuning. Please proceed with care, especially with significant pitch changes. Generally, tuning up 3 or 4 semitones or down by more than 4 semitones often benefits from a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitones to F4#.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C5#.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

The final notes for each string (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string position) are:

• String 6: D2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: E3
• String 3: F4#
• String 2: C5#
• String 1: E4