Verbal and Technical Analysis

The "Jaysun's Shelter" tuning, named for its arrangement for Porter Robinson & Madeon's song "Shelter" by Jaysun Fingerstyle, presents a highly specialized and intricate soundscape. It significantly departs from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, creating a unique harmonic foundation tailored for this specific musical piece.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is likely to evoke a dreamy, spacious, and often melancholic atmosphere, perfectly aligning with the emotive qualities of the song "Shelter." The careful arrangement of notes, particularly the repeated F and C across the higher strings, facilitates open, resonant drones and shimmering harmonies, ideal for intricate fingerstyle playing. The low D combined with the A# (enharmonically Bb) introduces a unique harmonic tension and depth in the bass, providing a foundation that is both unusual and expressive. This tuning is not designed for conventional open strumming but rather for specific melodic lines, arpeggios, and chord voicings that capitalize on the altered string relationships, making otherwise complex passages more accessible with minimal hand movement.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning configuration is D2-A#3-F3-C3-F3-C4. This specific combination does not form a readily recognizable common open chord (like major or minor), indicating its purpose as a custom tuning for a particular arrangement rather than a general-purpose alternative tuning.

• When all open strings (D-A#-F-C-F-C) are played together, the resulting chord is complex and somewhat dissonant, hinting at a D minor 7th chord with an augmented 5th or minor 6th, or a variation of a D half-diminished chord. This suggests it's intended for selective note usage or specific partial voicings rather than full open strumming.
• Looking at the higher strings (from string 4 to string 1: F3-C3-F3-C4), a strong sense of F major or C suspended 4th emerges. The repeated F and C notes provide excellent opportunities for resonant pedal tones and easily reachable melodic intervals around these harmonic centers. For instance, the top three strings (C3-F3-C4) form a clear C suspended 4th, which can easily be resolved or extended with minimal fretwork.
• The intervals between adjacent strings are varied: D2 to A#3 is an augmented 5th, A#3 to F3 is a diminished 5th, F3 to C3 is a perfect 5th down, C3 to F3 is a perfect 4th up, and F3 to C4 is a perfect 5th up. These unique intervalic relationships make certain shapes and fingerings effortless while others require re-imagination.
• While standard chord shapes won't directly translate, the consistent C and F notes on the higher strings mean that simple barre shapes or two-finger voicings can yield rich F-major, C-major, or suspended harmonies, providing a solid base for melodic exploration in these tonal areas.

How to Tune to Jaysun's Shelter Tuning

To achieve the D2-A#3-F3-C3-F3-C4 tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, carefully follow these instructions. Please be aware that several strings require significant tuning adjustments. For changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is strongly recommended to consider using an appropriate string gauge to prevent string breakage and ensure optimal intonation.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (Original E2 → D2)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3. (Original A2 → A#3)
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3. (Original D3 → F3)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 7 semitones to C3. (Original G3 → C3) Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string may be necessary.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 6 semitones to F3. (Original B3 → F3) Caution: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string may be necessary.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. (Original E4 → C4) Caution: This is a notable drop. A heavier gauge string may be advisable.

Always use a reliable electronic tuner and make adjustments slowly, especially with large semitone changes. Check intonation at the 12th fret after tuning to ensure accuracy.

Here is a detailed breakdown of each string's tuning from lowest to highest pitch:

• String 6 (Lowest String): Tuned to D2 (the D in the second octave).
• String 5: Tuned to A#3 (A sharp in the third octave).
• String 4: Tuned to F3 (F in the third octave).
• String 3: Tuned to C3 (C in the third octave).
• String 2: Tuned to F3 (F in the third octave).
• String 1 (Highest String): Tuned to C4 (C in the fourth octave).