Tuning Overview: Sunshine

The "Sunshine" tuning presents a distinctive and evocative soundscape, tailored as an "adagio in D" for a movie theme. This tuning moves away from standard guitar configurations to unlock unique harmonic possibilities, suggesting a mood that could be atmospheric, melancholic, or deeply expressive.

Technical Analysis

The open strings of this 5-string tuning are set to D2, A3#, F3, A3, C4 (from lowest to highest). Analyzing the intervals reveals a compelling harmonic structure:

• The lowest string is tuned to D2, establishing a strong tonal center in D.
• Moving up, the next string is A3# (enharmonically Bb3), which creates a minor 6th interval above the root D, or a diminished 5th above F. This note is key to the tuning's unique flavor.
• The middle string is F3, forming a minor third with the D bass, strongly implying a D minor tonality.
• The second highest string is A3, a perfect fifth above D, reinforcing the D minor chord.
• Finally, the highest string is C4, a minor seventh above D.

Together, the notes D, F, A, C form a D minor 7th chord. The addition of the A3# (Bb3) creates a rich, complex harmony. Strumming all open strings will yield a D minor 7th chord with an added flat sixth (Bb), a color that can sound bluesy, modal, or deeply resonant, perfectly suiting an adagio theme.

The close proximity of F3, A3, and C4 on the higher strings makes for easy access to D minor arpeggios and voicings, while the low D string provides a solid foundation. The A# (Bb) string opens up interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities, allowing for unique drones or dissonances that resolve in captivating ways.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Sunshine" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from a standard EADGB configuration for a 5-string setup (assuming standard tuning E2-A2-D3-G3-B3 as a reference point for string movements):

• String 5 (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• String 4 (A to A3#): Tune up 1 semitone to reach A3#.
• String 3 (D to F3): Tune up 3 semitones to reach F3. Exercise caution and tune slowly when increasing string tension significantly.
• String 2 (G to A3): Tune up 2 semitones to reach A3.
• String 1 (B to C4): Tune up 1 semitone to reach C4.

Important Note: While most adjustments are within a safe range, tuning up 3 semitones on String 3 requires careful attention to avoid string breakage. Always tune slowly and check string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, a different string gauge is generally advised, though none in this tuning reach that extreme.

String 5: D2 - The lowest string provides a deep, resonant bass note, setting the D tonal center.

String 4: A3# - This note, enharmonically Bb3, adds a distinctive character and tension, creating intriguing harmonic possibilities within the D minor context.

String 3: F3 - A crucial note for establishing the D minor tonality and a core component of the open D minor 7th chord.

String 2: A3 - The perfect fifth above D, reinforcing the D minor chord and providing a stable harmonic anchor.

String 1: C4 - The minor seventh, completing the D minor 7th chord and adding a soulful, resonant quality to the open tuning.