The Lynx-6 tuning, a moniker inspired by its creator's online discussions, is a distinct and powerful guitar tuning crafted for "metal, rock and symphonic purposes." Its unique construction is derived from specific piano chord voicings, offering a fresh sonic palette beyond traditional guitar tunings.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning sets the guitar's open strings to D A E G B D, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. When comparing this to standard E Standard tuning (E A D G B E), the adjustments are as follows:

• The 6th string (normally low E) is tuned down a whole step to D2.
• The 5th string (A) remains at A2.
• The 4th string (normally D) is tuned up a whole step to E3.
• The 3rd string (G) remains at G3.
• The 2nd string (B) remains at B3.
• The 1st string (normally high E) is tuned down a whole step to D4.

The intervallic relationships between consecutive open strings are: Perfect 5th (D-A), Perfect 5th (A-E), Minor 3rd (E-G), Major 3rd (G-B), and Minor 3rd (B-D). This combination results in a highly unconventional and harmonically rich set of intervals, moving away from the more common 4ths found in standard tuning.

Sonic Observations & Chordal Possibilities:

The dominant presence of D on both the lowest and highest strings, coupled with A on the 5th string, establishes a strong D-centric foundation. This makes the tuning exceptionally effective for generating powerful, resonant open D notes and D-based power chords, which are easily achievable on the lower strings (D-A on 6th & 5th strings). The low D string delivers a deep, impactful tone ideal for the heavy, driving riffs characteristic of metal and rock.

While not designed for standard open major or minor chords, the Lynx-6 tuning excels in offering unique and sophisticated voicings:

• The top three strings (G3-B3-D4) form a G major triad in its first inversion (B-D-G). When combined with the low D, this configuration can produce a full, open G major sound over a D root, often utilized for G/D chords or interesting Dsus4 extensions.
• The full open string voicing D-A-E-G-B-D comprises the notes D, A, E, G, B. This collection could imply a D add9/add4 or a more complex Dsus2/4 voicing, allowing for sophisticated arpeggios, melodic passages, or dissonant harmonic clusters, which aligns perfectly with "symphonic purposes."
• The pronounced perfect 5th intervals on the lower strings (D-A, A-E) are perfect for driving, heavy riffs and power chords, with the open E on the 4th string introducing a surprising brightness or harmonic tension.
• This tuning encourages players to explore beyond conventional chord shapes, leading to the discovery of fresh harmonies and arpeggiated patterns that would be challenging or impossible to achieve in standard tuning. Barre chords will yield altered qualities compared to standard tuning, fostering creative exploration and unique sonic textures.

Tuning Notes:

• String 6 (Low E string position): D2
• String 5 (A string position): A2
• String 4 (D string position): E3
• String 3 (G string position): G3
• String 2 (B string position): B3
• String 1 (High E string position): D4

How to Tune:

To set your guitar to the Lynx-6 tuning from standard E Standard (E A D G B E), follow these precise string movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to reach E3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: All specified string movements involve tuning by 2 semitones down or up, or no change at all. These adjustments are well within the safe range (generally -4 to +4 semitones) for standard guitar string gauges. Therefore, it is typically not necessary to change your string gauge for this tuning. Always proceed with care when adjusting string tension.