Verbal Analysis

This tuning, playfully dubbed "Afinación que DEFECA" (Tuning that DEFECATES) in its origin, is a delightful and humorous creation. It emerged from a TikTok video by the account "SuenaLikeLucho," where an individual showcased a guitar ingeniously constructed from an ordinary toilet seat, some scrap wood, and guitar electronics. This tuning is therefore more than just a set of notes; it's a testament to creative absurdity and the joy of unconventional instrument building. While born from a jest, the database surprisingly recognizes its underlying structure as a D minor ninth tuning, giving this comedic setup an unexpected layer of musical sophistication.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D2, E2, F2, E3, C3, A3 (from low E to high e). A remarkable aspect of this tuning is that these open notes collectively form a complete D minor ninth chord (D - root, F - minor third, A - perfect fifth, C - minor seventh, E - major ninth). This means that a simple strum of all open strings will produce a rich, resonant D minor ninth chord, providing a readily available harmonic foundation for creative expression, despite the tuning's humorous backstory. The presence of two E notes (E2 and E3) adds depth and versatility to the open chord voicing.

Achieving this tuning from standard E Standard involves significant adjustments to string tension. Every string is tuned down from its standard pitch, with several strings experiencing very substantial drops:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tuned down 5 semitones to E2.
• String 4 (D): Tuned down 9 semitones to F2.
• String 3 (G): Tuned down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tuned down 11 semitones to C3.
• String 1 (High e): Tuned down 7 semitones to A3.

The extensive downward tuning on strings 5, 4, 2, and 1 (5, 9, 11, and 7 semitones respectively) is particularly noteworthy. Such large drops can lead to very loose string tension, which may result in poor intonation, a 'flappy' feel, and reduced sustain, especially with standard string gauges. To ensure optimal playability, better intonation, and a more satisfying tone, it is highly recommended to use heavier gauge strings for this tuning, particularly for those strings undergoing the most significant detuning. The unique intervals between adjacent strings, such as the whole step from D2 to E2, the half step from E2 to F2, and the wider intervals like C3 to A3, open up intriguing possibilities for melodic lines and complex open-string chord voicings beyond the fundamental D minor ninth.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'D Minor Ninth Mock Tuning' from standard E Standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is significant; a heavier gauge string is advised for better tension and playability.)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 9 semitones from D3 to F2. (Note: Tuning down 9 semitones is very significant; a heavier gauge string is advised for better tension and playability.)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 11 semitones from B3 to C3. (Note: Tuning down 11 semitones is extremely significant; a heavier gauge string is strongly advised for better tension and playability.)
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 7 semitones from E4 to A3. (Note: Tuning down 7 semitones is significant; a heavier gauge string is advised for better tension and playability.)