This unique tuning, famously utilized by John Butler for tracks such as "Mystery Man," offers a deeply resonant and open soundscape. It masterfully balances a robust, droning bass with shimmering higher notes, creating an ethereal and expansive quality. The specific arrangement of notes is conducive to fluid melodic lines, percussive rhythms, and powerful, sustained chords, making it a compelling choice for intricate fingerstyle and rhythmic playing. Its distinct harmonic intervals foster a sense of mystery and depth, inviting exploration into new musical territories far beyond conventional tunings.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: The tuning from the lowest (6th) to highest (1st) string is D2, B2, G3, D3, G3, C4.
• Key Intervals & Structure: A foundational D drone is established by the low D2 (6th string) and an octave D3 (3rd string). A strong G Major triad (G-B-D) emerges prominently from strings 5, 4, and 3 (B2, G3, D3), providing a natural G major resonance when played open. The repetition of G on strings 4 and 2 (G3, G3) adds a rich fullness to the sound. The highest string, C4, functions as a perfect fourth above G or a minor seventh above the low D, introducing a sophisticated harmonic complexity and a suspended character to the overall voicing.
• Chordal Implications:
  • Open G Major: A full strum across the open strings will strongly imply a G Major chord, underpinned by a low D bass note and extended by a C. The G-B-D sequence on strings 4, 5, 3 forms a clear G major triad.
  • D-centric Voicings: When considering the low D as the root, the open notes D-G-B-C create a rich Dsus4add6/m7 voicing. This provides an expansive and harmonically ambiguous foundation that can be explored in various musical contexts.
  • Barre Chord Potential: The strategic placement of doubled D (strings 6 & 3) and G notes (strings 4 & 2) means that barre chords can effortlessly form powerful, multi-octave voicings centered around G or D, allowing for a compelling "wall of sound" effect.
  • Melodic & Drone Capabilities: The unique intervals, such as the perfect fourth between strings 4&3 (G3-D3) and 2&1 (G3-C4), facilitate easy melodic phrasing and the sustain of drone notes, particularly around the tonal centers of G and D.

How to Tune

To achieve this distinctive tuning, begin from standard EADGBe tuning and carefully adjust each string as detailed below:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 5 semitones from D3 to G3. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension. We advise considering a lighter gauge string to mitigate the risk of breakage and ensure optimal playability.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial decrease in tension. This may result in a looser string, potentially affecting intonation and sustain. A heavier gauge string may be beneficial.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B3 to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a notable decrease in tension. This may lead to a looser string feel and impact intonation. A heavier gauge string could be considered for improved performance.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a notable decrease in tension. This may lead to a looser string feel and impact intonation. A heavier gauge string could be considered for improved performance.

Always approach tuning with care and diligently monitor string tension. For any string movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is generally recommended to use a different string gauge to ensure appropriate tension, maintain accurate intonation, and extend string longevity.

String 6: D2
String 5: B2
String 4: G3
String 3: D3
String 2: G3
String 1: C4