Tuning Analysis: Open D (Unique Voicing)

This tuning, identified as "Open D" in the provided data, presents a fascinating and distinct variation compared to the more common Open D (D-A-D-F#-A-D). The specific open string notes for this configuration are D2, A2, F#4, E3, A3, D4. While the original description suggests it's "some kinda open tuning" potentially useful for "folk music or something," its unique note arrangement indeed lends itself to rich, resonant textures, although it doesn't form a simple major chord across all open strings.

Technical Breakdown:

Unlike many traditional open tunings that resolve to a straightforward major or minor chord when strummed openly, this "Open D" (D-A-F#-E-A-D) yields a more intricate harmony. When all strings are strummed, the combination of notes – D (root), A (perfect fifth), F# (major third), and E (major second/ninth) – creates a rich Dadd9/A chord. The voicing is particularly notable due to the F# being an octave higher (F#4) than typically expected in Open D, and the E3 positioned uniquely on the 3rd string, which significantly shapes its sonic character.

• The low D2 and A2 establish a solid, resonant D5 power chord foundation.
• The F#4 on the 4th string provides the major third of D, but its elevated octave creates a wide, airy harmonic spread across the neck.
• The E3 on the 3rd string introduces the distinctive major second (or 9th), preventing a simple D major triad and adding a subtle tension or sweetness to the overall sound.
• The A3 and D4 on the higher strings reinforce the fifth and root, contributing to a full and ringing resonance.

Chords and Playability:

This tuning offers unique creative avenues, moving beyond standard chord shapes:

• Open Strum: Strumming all open strings produces a Dadd9/A chord, ideal for creating expansive, ethereal, or contemplative soundscapes often found in folk, ambient, or cinematic music.
• Barre Chords: By barring all strings at any fret, you can effortlessly transpose the Dadd9/A chord up the fretboard. For instance, barring at the 1st fret yields a D#add9/A# chord, at the 2nd fret an Eadd9/B, and so on. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for slide guitar, allowing for fluid and consistent chord changes.
• Drone Potential: The open D and A strings are excellent for creating sustained drones, over which intricate melodies or harmonies can be woven on the higher strings, adding depth and texture.
• Fingerstyle: The unusual intervals between the strings (e.g., a major 6th from A2 to F#4, or a perfect 4th from E3 to A3) can inspire fresh fingerpicking patterns and arpeggios that would be impossible or very difficult in standard tuning, opening up new melodic and harmonic possibilities.

This tuning encourages experimentation and offers a rich, resonant soundscape that could be particularly effective in folk, blues, alternative, or world music genres seeking a distinct and harmonically interesting flavour.

How to Tune:

To achieve this "Open D" tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune up 4 semitones from D3 to F#3. (Important Note: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant tension increase. Proceed with caution. While the target note in the tuning notes is F#4, the movement instruction of +4 semitones from D3 would result in F#3. Achieving F#4 from D3 would require tuning up 16 semitones, for which a much lighter gauge string would be essential.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

For any tuning changes exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), it is generally recommended to consider a different string gauge to avoid string breakage or excessive tension that could damage your instrument. In this tuning, the 4th string's instruction to tune up 4 semitones falls at the upper limit of what is typically advised for a standard gauge string without extra caution.

The open strings for this tuning are as follows, from thickest to thinnest:

• 6th String (Low E): D2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): F#4
• 3rd String (G): E3
• 2nd String (B): A3
• 1st String (High E): D4