Tuning Analysis: Owls 2

This unique guitar tuning, named "Owls 2", presents a highly experimental and non-standard open voicing. While the provided description is simply "ok", indicating a generic or flexible intent, the actual note configuration suggests a rich and complex sonic landscape ideal for ambient, experimental, or very specific melodic compositions, rather than conventional strumming patterns.

Technical Analysis: Open Notes and Intervals

• String 6 (Lowest, Thickest): D2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: F#4
• String 2: A3
• String 1 (Highest, Thinnest): C#5

When ordered by pitch from lowest to highest across all strings, the open notes are: D2, B2, A3, C#4, F#4, C#5. This arrangement is highly unconventional for a guitar, featuring significant octave jumps and inversions between adjacent strings. Notably, String 2 (A3) is lower in pitch than both String 3 (F#4) and String 4 (C#4), creating a distinct internal voice that deviates from the typical ascending pitch order of guitar strings.

Harmonic Potential and Chord Shapes

The open string notes D, B, C#, F#, A, C# offer several interesting harmonic possibilities:

• D Major 7 (D F# A C#): The notes D2 (String 6), A3 (String 2), C#4 (String 4), F#4 (String 3), and C#5 (String 1) are all present, allowing for a lush and resonant Dmaj7 chord to be voiced openly across multiple octaves. This creates a sophisticated, open, and potentially melancholic harmonic foundation.
• B Minor (B D F#): The notes B2 (String 5), D2 (String 6), and F#4 (String 3) combine to form a clear B minor triad, offering a darker, introspective quality.
• The varied intervals between adjacent strings—such as a Major 6th between String 6 (D2) and String 5 (B2), a compound Major 2nd (Major 9th) between String 5 (B2) and String 4 (C#4), and a downward Major 6th from String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (A3)—suggest that this tuning is designed to facilitate specific voicings or arpeggios that would be challenging or impossible in standard tuning. It would likely excel in fingerstyle playing, drone compositions, or slide guitar to emphasize its unique harmonic structure and resonance.

Given the changes on some strings (e.g., String 6 down 2 semitones, String 5 up 2 semitones, String 1 down 3 semitones), careful attention to string tension and intonation will be crucial. While none of the individual movements exceed the recommendation for a different string gauge, the combination of upward and downward adjustments across the set makes this an adventurous tuning that demands a mindful approach.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Owls 2

To achieve the Owls 2 tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the instructions below. The movements are relative to an assumed starting pitch that results in the target note. Always tune slowly and use a reliable electronic tuner.

• String 6 (Lowest, Thickest): Tune to D2. This requires tuning down 2 semitones.
• String 5: Tune to B2. This requires tuning up 2 semitones.
• String 4: Tune to C#4. This requires tuning down 1 semitone.
• String 3: Tune to F#4. This requires tuning down 1 semitone.
• String 2: Tune to A3. This requires tuning down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest, Thinnest): Tune to C#5. This requires tuning down 3 semitones.

Important Considerations for Tuning:

While none of the individual string movements explicitly exceed a change of 4 semitones (where a different gauge string is generally advised), some strings are being tuned significantly. For instance, String 5 is tuned up 2 semitones, increasing its tension, while String 1 is dropped by 3 semitones, decreasing its tension. It's always important to be mindful of your guitar's neck and overall string tension when making such adjustments. If you encounter any difficulty or have concerns about your guitar's setup with this tuning, consulting a professional luthier is recommended.