Verbal Analysis:

Prepare for an open tuning that defies convention! The "Open Daug7" tuning, as its name suggests, creates a powerful and resonant D Augmented 7th chord when all strings are strummed open. This isn't your typical major or minor open tuning; instead, it delivers a rich, complex, and somewhat mysterious sound. The augmented fifth (A#) gives it a shimmering, unresolved quality, while the minor seventh (C) adds a touch of bluesy or jazzy sophistication. While the original creator whimsically noted they were "just trying random chords," this tuning is anything but random in its harmonic impact. It can evoke feelings of suspense, dreaminess, or even an avant-garde edge.

Playing this tuning open provides an immediate augmented 7th chord, which is fantastic for exploring modal harmonies, jazz progressions, or adding a unique flavor to blues and rock. Barring across a single fret will instantly give you other augmented 7th chords (e.g., bar at the 1st fret for D#aug7, 2nd for Eaug7), opening up a world of quick harmonic shifts. It might be less suited for straightforward pop melodies but shines in experimental, soundtrack-style music, or when you want to create an atmosphere of intrigue and tension. Melodic lines will likely lean into the unique intervals created by the augmented nature of the chord, offering fresh compositional opportunities.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is based on the notes D, F#, A#, and C, which collectively form a D Augmented 7th chord (Daug7). The notes across the strings are voiced as follows, from low to high:

• 6th String (Low E string): D2 (The Root)
• 5th String (A string): A3# (The Augmented Fifth of D)
• 4th String (D string): C3 (The Minor Seventh of D)
• 3rd String (G string): F4# (The Major Third of D)
• 2nd String (B string): A4# (The Augmented Fifth of D, an octave higher than A#3)
• 1st String (High E string): D4 (The Root, two octaves higher than D2)

The chord voicing is spread across two octaves, providing a full and rich sound. The presence of the root (D), major third (F#), augmented fifth (A#), and minor seventh (C) defines its Daug7 quality. The repeated A# on the 5th and 2nd strings, and D on the 6th and 1st strings, add density and sustain. The intervals between adjacent strings are particularly interesting, offering unique harmonic possibilities for arpeggios and voicings.

How to Tune:

To achieve this captivating "Open Daug7" tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (E to D)
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A3#. (A to A#)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. (D to C)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F4#. (G to F#)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A4#. (B to A#)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4. (E to D)

All string adjustments are within a few semitones, so a standard set of strings should handle this tuning well. Always tune carefully and check your intonation after significant changes.

String 6: D2 (Low D)

String 5: A3# (A sharp)

String 4: C3 (C natural)

String 3: F4# (F sharp)

String 2: A4# (A sharp)

String 1: D4 (High D)