The 'SS Bukey Mix' is a distinctive and powerful open guitar tuning, aptly described as suitable for a '3 or 4 string' feel, even when played on a 6-string instrument. This tuning transforms the guitar into a deeply resonant soundscape, primarily centered around the D note. The strategic doubling of D notes across different octaves, combined with the prominent A, creates a thick, droning quality that is ideal for atmospheric soundscapes, heavy riffs, or open, ringing compositions. Its inherent simplicity also makes it incredibly intuitive for slide guitar techniques and for creating percussive, rhythmic patterns.

Technical Analysis

This tuning, specifically D2 D3 A2 A3 D4 D4, essentially forms an Open D5 chord across all six strings. Breaking down its structure:

• String 6 (D2): The foundational root note (D).
• String 5 (D3): An octave higher root (D).
• String 4 (A2): The perfect fifth (A) to the root D, creating the power chord foundation.
• String 3 (A3): An octave higher perfect fifth (A).
• String 2 (D4): Two octaves higher root (D).
• String 1 (D4): A unison D with the second string, adding significant thickness and sustain to the highest notes.

This structure, focusing purely on the root and perfect fifth, delivers a robust, ambiguous, and modern sound that is neither strictly major nor minor. It's perfectly suited for genres like rock, metal, folk drone, and experimental music, where a strong, open resonance is desired.

Open Chords and Playability

• Open D5 Power Chord: Strumming all open strings yields a commanding D5 power chord, rich with harmonics and depth due to the multiple D and A notes spread across octaves.
• Moveable Power Chords: A single finger barred across any fret will instantly create a moveable power chord up and down the neck. For instance, barring at the 5th fret produces an Open G5, and at the 7th fret, an Open A5. This makes chord progressions incredibly simple and powerful.
• Drone & Riffing: The repetitive D-A-D pattern across the strings makes this tuning exceptionally intuitive for creating drone-based melodies, heavy, percussive riffs, and expansive soundscapes with minimal effort. The open strings resonate beautifully, supporting lead lines and rhythmic figures.
• Slide Guitar: The open power chord nature makes this an excellent tuning for slide guitar, allowing for smooth glides between chords and notes while maintaining a full, resonant sound.

Tuning Notes Overview

Standard tuning for a Guitar is typically E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4.

For the 'SS Bukey Mix' tuning, the strings are tuned as follows:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned to D2
• String 5 (A): Tuned to D3
• String 4 (D): Tuned to A2
• String 3 (G): Tuned to A3
• String 2 (B): Tuned to D4
• String 1 (High e): Tuned to D4

How to Tune from Standard E-A-D-G-B-e

To achieve the 'SS Bukey Mix' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e, follow these steps. Please note that significant tension changes (tuning up or down by 5 or more semitones) may require a different string gauge for optimal playability, safety, and maintaining intonation.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (Original E2)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 5 semitones to D3. (Original A2) Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment. A lighter gauge string is advised for this string to avoid excessive tension and potential breakage.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Original D3) Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment. A heavier gauge string is advised for this string to maintain adequate tension and tone.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3. (Original G3)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones to D4. (Original B3) Take Care: Tuning up 3 semitones is a noticeable adjustment; ensure your guitar's neck and strings can handle the increased tension.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 2 semitones to D4. (Original E4)