This unique guitar tuning, labeled as "TTNG Cat fantastic" in its description, presents a captivating and somewhat unconventional sonic palette. It ventures far from standard tuning, offering a fresh landscape for creative expression. With a low D on the 6th string, a raised B on the 5th and 2nd strings, and a raised A on the 3rd string, it creates open, resonant textures that can range from ambient and ethereal to powerful and driving.

Verbal Analysis

The tuning establishes a deep foundation with a low D (D2) and a middle D (D3) an octave higher, giving a strong sense of D as a potential root or drone. The presence of B on the 5th and 2nd strings, combined with an A on the 3rd string, creates intriguing intervals. It's not immediately obvious as a standard open chord, which suggests it's designed for specific melodic lines, arpeggios, or experimental chord voicings. The overall sound could be quite expansive and atmospheric, or provide a unique base for heavier styles that utilize drop tunings but with added harmonic complexity. Players might find themselves exploring new fingerings and shapes to uncover its full potential.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are D2 B2 D3 A3 B3 E4 (from low to high string).

Let's examine the intervals between adjacent open strings:

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (B2): Major 6th (9 semitones)
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (D3): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (A3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (B3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

This is not a traditional open chord tuning. The arrangement of notes offers a unique set of harmonic possibilities:

• The low D (D2) and D (D3) on strings 6 and 4, along with the A (A3) on string 3, immediately form a strong D5 (D Power Chord) when strummed together.
• The open notes collectively contain D, E, A, B. These notes can imply an Em7 chord (E, G, B, D – missing G) or an Aadd9 (A, B, D, E – missing C#/C). It's more accurately described as a suspended or extended harmony, with the dominant D and B notes giving it a specific flavor.
• Open Chord Voicings: While not forming a major or minor triad directly, the tuning is rich with open intervals:
  • Strumming strings 6, 5, 4 (D-B-D) creates a D chord with an added B, hinting at a D6 or B minor sound.
  • Strumming strings 4, 3, 2, 1 (D-A-B-E) yields a Dadd9sus4 or an Em7 voicing (E-A-B-D).
• Easily Reachable Chords:
  • A simple barre across strings 1-6 at the 2nd fret would produce the notes E C# E B C# F#, creating an Emaj9(no G#/D#) or Eadd2 type of voicing.
  • Due to the non-standard intervals, players will likely find new chord shapes and voicings rather than adapting existing ones. The tuning encourages exploration of its unique intervallic relationships.

Tuning Notes (from low to high string)

• String 6: D2 (Low D)
• String 5: B2 (Low B)
• String 4: D3 (Middle D)
• String 3: A3 (Middle A)
• String 2: B3 (High B)
• String 1: E4 (High E)

How to Tune from Standard EADGBe

Please ensure your guitar is in standard EADGBe tuning before proceeding.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A to B2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G to A3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: All string movements are within 2 semitones up or down. For these specific changes, a different string gauge is generally not required, but always exercise caution when tuning strings up, and ensure your guitar's neck can handle the altered tension.