Novel Ostrich Tuning Analysis

The "Novel Ostrich" is a truly unique and intriguing guitar tuning, specifically noted for its potential in creating cascading major scales and chords with close voicings. It presents an open, resonant sound with a strong sense of a D root, allowing for melodic exploration across multiple strings. The tuning's character is not immediately conventional, offering a blend of stability from the repeated D notes and a touch of intriguing tension from the A# and C. This makes it particularly suitable for experimental music, ambient textures, or any style seeking a fresh, non-standard harmonic palette.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of the Novel Ostrich tuning are D2-A#3-D3-D3-C4-D4, from lowest (6th) to highest (1st) string. Observing the intervals from the low D (6th string):

• D (Root) on the 6th string.
• A# (Augmented 5th) on the 5th string – an unusual and striking interval.
• D (Octave) on the 4th string.
• D (Octave) on the 3rd string – a unique doubling that adds thickness and resonance.
• C (Minor 7th) on the 2nd string.
• D (Octave) on the 1st string.

The open strings do not form a conventional major or minor triad. Instead, the combination of D, A# (enharmonically Bb), and C suggests a unique harmonic palette. It can be interpreted as a D chord featuring a minor 7th (C) and an augmented 5th (A#), giving it a distinctive, somewhat ambiguous, or bluesy quality. This structure leans towards dominant or modal sounds rather than simple tonal ones.

The close proximity of D3, D3, C4, and D4 on the middle and higher strings creates an environment for 'close voicings,' enabling dense, clustered harmonic textures. This layout can significantly facilitate 'cascading major scales,' as certain melodic patterns may fall more naturally under the fingers across these closely tuned strings, creating smooth and flowing runs.

Chords and Shapes Within Reach

While the open tuning itself doesn't yield a standard major or minor chord, it unlocks a range of expressive possibilities:

• Drones and Open Power Chords: The abundance of D notes makes this tuning excellent for drone-based playing. Simple two-finger shapes can easily create powerful D octaves or D-C (implying a D7) sounds.
• Clusters and Close Voicings: Barring across strings 4, 3, 2, 1 (D3-D3-C4-D4) or specific subsets will produce rich, clustered sounds ideal for textural playing or creating unusual chord voicings.
• Modal Exploration: The inclusion of C (minor 7th) and A# (augmented 5th/flattened 6th) against the D root hints at possibilities for D Mixolydian, D Dorian, or other modal explorations, especially those incorporating a flattened 6th or 7th.
• Unique Arpeggios and Melodies: The unique string intervals allow for interesting arpeggio patterns and melodic lines that would be difficult to achieve in standard tuning. Experimentation with single-finger slides or two-finger shapes will reveal surprising harmonic and melodic opportunities.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Novel Ostrich

To achieve the Novel Ostrich tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change in string tension. For optimal tone and string life, especially with repeated use, consider using a heavier gauge string for this string.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D.

Here are the notes for each string in the Novel Ostrich tuning:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A#3
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: D4