Verbal Analysis: Ben Howard's Forgotten G Tuning

This unique tuning, prominently featured in Ben Howard's evocative track "I Forget Where We Were," offers a deep, resonant, and somewhat melancholic soundscape. The low D and A on the bass strings provide a solid, droning foundation, while the higher strings are tuned to a striking C-C-G configuration. This creates a rich, open harmony with significant modal possibilities, moving away from conventional major or minor structures. It's perfectly suited for intricate fingerstyle patterns, atmospheric strumming, and creating spacious, layered sonic textures. The wide intervals between some strings encourage open string use and unconventional chord voicings, inviting exploration and expressive playing.

Technical Analysis: D-A-G-C-C-G

The open string notes are D2-A2-G3-C3-C4-G4. This is a complex cluster that doesn't immediately form a simple major or minor chord, offering a distinctive harmonic character:

• The foundational notes are D and A (a perfect fifth), providing a strong D power chord base.
• Adding G (a perfect fourth above D, or a minor third below A) creates a suspended quality, leaning towards a Dsus4.
• The C notes (C3 and C4) introduce a minor seventh interval relative to D, suggesting a D minor 7 flavour without a major or minor third. The high G4 reinforces a C major triad feel (C-G) on the higher strings.
• Collectively, the open strings (D-A-G-C-C-G) contain the notes D, A, G, C. This can be interpreted as a Dsus4add7 or a D Dorian mode fragment, offering a modal, somewhat dark and open character.

Due to the open string configuration, several chord shapes become readily available or are implied:

• Open Voicings: The open strings themselves can function as a unique Dsus4add7 or a complex Cmaj9/D voicing (missing E, with G as 9th and D as root context).
• Power Chords: Moving the C-C-G shape (strings 3-1) up the neck allows for easy access to powerful drone chords. Similarly, the D-A on the lower strings provides a strong root-fifth.
• Modal Exploration: The low D and A combined with the G and C notes lend themselves well to exploring D minor or Dorian scales, where the open strings act as strong drone points.
• Unique Barre Chords: Barre chords will yield unfamiliar but interesting harmonic structures, often featuring suspended or minor seventh qualities, perfect for ambient or cinematic soundscapes.

How to Tune: From Standard E-A-D-G-B-E

To achieve this "Ben Howard's Forgotten G" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard tuning. Please pay careful attention to the magnitude of the pitch changes; significant adjustments (more than 4 semitones up or down) may put excessive stress on your strings or neck, and a different string gauge might be advisable for optimal performance and safety.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (E2 → D2)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2. (A2 → A2)
• 4th String (D): Tune up 5 semitones to G3. (D3 → G3)
  Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this position to avoid excessive tension.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. (G3 → C3)
  Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very significant change. A heavier gauge string may be beneficial to maintain sufficient tension and intonation.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4. (B3 → C4)
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. (E4 → G4)

The open string notes for this tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest pitch):

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: G3
• 3rd String: C3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: G4