Verbal Analysis:

This tuning, aptly named for its creator's description, is truly a "bizarre reentrant tuning." It defies the typical linear progression of string pitches, creating an unpredictable and highly resonant soundscape. It's an experimental tuning that lends itself to shimmering arpeggios, wide voicings, and a unique harmonic texture not found in standard or even many open tunings. Players seeking to break free from conventional fingerings and explore new sonic territories will find this tuning inspiring. The reentrant nature means that the middle strings jump around in pitch, leading to surprising intervallic relationships that can spark new melodic and harmonic ideas, making familiar chord shapes sound entirely new.

Technical Analysis:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Tuning Notes (Low to High): D2 E2 G3 D3 E4 G4
• Reentrant Characteristic: This is a profoundly reentrant tuning. Notice the pitch progression is not strictly ascending. For example, the 4th string (G3) is higher in pitch than the 5th string (E2), and the 3rd string (D3) is lower than the 4th string (G3). The 2nd string (E4) is also significantly higher than the 3rd string (D3). This non-linear arrangement across the strings creates a distinctive harmonic texture and wide intervallic jumps, making for a truly unique playing experience.
• Open String Harmony & Chords: The open strings collectively contain the notes D, E, and G across various octaves. This creates a very full and resonant open sound, hinting at a tonality centered around G major or D sus4 with added extensions. Specifically, the open notes form a rich Gadd9sus4 (G-D-E) or Dsus4add2 (D-G-E) voicing. Due to this arrangement:
  • Accessible Chords: Chords that highlight D, E, and G will be particularly strong and resonant. G major, Gadd9, Gsus2, Dsus4, Dadd2, and Dsus2 voicings will be readily accessible and sound lush.
  • Chord Shapes: Simple one or two-finger shapes or partial barres can yield complex, open harmonies with unexpected extensions due to the reentrant nature. For instance, a basic G major chord (G-B-D) could be formed easily by adding a B note, or an Em7 (E-G-B-D) might be just a fret or two away. The wide spread and reentrance encourage experimentation with voicings that leap across octaves, creating a unique arpeggiated quality even when strummed.

Tuning Notes (Low to High):

String 6: D2

String 5: E2

String 4: G3

String 3: D3

String 2: E4

String 1: G4

How to Tune:

Before you begin tuning, please note that several strings require significant pitch changes (more than 4 semitones up or down). For optimal string tension, intonation, and to avoid string breakage, it is strongly recommended to consider a different string gauge for these strings. Always tune slowly and carefully.

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune down 2 semitones from standard E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A string): Tune down 5 semitones from standard A2 to E2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for best results.
• String 4 (D string): Tune up 5 semitones from standard D3 to G3. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change; a lighter gauge string is advised, and proceed with extreme care to avoid string breakage.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 5 semitones from standard G3 to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string is advised for best results.
• String 2 (B string): Tune up 5 semitones from standard B3 to E4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change; a lighter gauge string is advised, and proceed with extreme care to avoid string breakage.
• String 1 (High E string): Tune up 3 semitones from standard E4 to G4.