The 'Slick' tuning for guitar is a deeply resonant and experimental setup, fundamentally re-voicing the instrument's lower register while preserving the familiar intervals of the upper strings. This creates a versatile landscape for heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, and unique chord voicings.

Verbal Analysis

Living up to its name, 'Slick' offers a smooth, deep, and potentially groovy foundation for your playing. By dropping the 6th string to D, the 5th to E, and the 4th to C, the tuning opens up a rich, dark harmonic palette. The significant drop on the 5th string (A to E) provides a very open and wide interval between the 6th and 5th strings, which can be exploited for powerful, droning bass lines or sparse, ambient textures. The standard upper three strings (G, B, E) allow for familiar melodic phrasing and chord shapes to be played over this unique low-end foundation. It's particularly well-suited for styles requiring heavy, open string riffs, alternative rock, or even some modern fingerstyle with its interesting open string combinations.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E-A-D-G-B-E into D2-E2-C3-G3-B3-E4. The lower three strings undergo significant alterations: the 6th string (low E) is tuned down a whole step to D2 (-2 semitones); the 5th string (A) is dramatically lowered by five semitones to E2, matching the standard tuning's 6th string pitch; and the 4th string (D) is lowered by a whole step to C3 (-2 semitones). The upper three strings (G3, B3, E4) remain at their standard pitches.

The open strings D2-E2-C3-G3-B3-E4 present a fascinating harmonic cluster. When played together, they form a Cmaj9 chord (C-E-G-B-D) with the lowest D acting as a resonant pedal tone, effectively creating a Cmaj9/D voicing. This provides an immediately rich, jazzy, yet deep and expansive sound. The proximity of the open D (6th string) and C (4th string) also suggests easy access to various open voicings and suspended chords. Power chords on the lower strings will require adaptation due to the unusual intervals, but the dropped D on the 6th string paired with the open G (3rd string) or B (2nd string) offers strong, open intervals suitable for heavy rock or metal. The large drop on the 5th string from A to E (-5 semitones) is substantial and might require a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and intonation.

Current Tuning Notes:

String 6 (low E): D2
String 5 (A): E2
String 4 (D): C3
String 3 (G): G3
String 2 (B): B3
String 1 (high E): E4

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E):

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. (Warning: This is a significant drop. For optimal tone and string tension, especially if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods, a heavier gauge string is advised for this string.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

General Tuning Advice: Extreme string movements (more than 4 semitones up or down) can affect string tension and intonation. For tunings exceeding this range, consider using a different gauge string for improved playability and tone.