Tuning Analysis: emmmmmmmotionall

This "emmmmmmmotionall" tuning, aptly described in the JSON as "full emotionallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll", creates a wonderfully expansive and deeply resonant soundscape on the guitar. It's a tuning rich in open harmonies and suspensions, designed to evoke a strong sense of mood. The overall character is both introspective and grand, ideal for creating a textured, emotive atmosphere whether through delicate fingerpicking or sustained, droning chords.

Technical Breakdown

The open strings are tuned to D2 E2 G2 D3 F#4 D4. Let's break down the intervals and harmonic implications:

• String 6 (D2): Establishes a deep, foundational D.
• String 5 (E2): A Major 2nd (or Major 9th) above the lowest D, adding tension and brightness.
• String 4 (G2): A Perfect 4th above the lowest D, creating a suspended quality and hinting at a G major harmony.
• String 3 (D3): An octave higher than the lowest string, reinforcing the root.
• String 2 (F#4): A Major 3rd above the D3 (and a Major 10th above D2), firmly establishing the D major tonality.
• String 1 (D4): Another octave D, providing a shimmering high root note.

When all open strings are strummed, the resulting chord contains the notes D, E, F#, and G across multiple octaves. This creates a rich Dsus2sus4 (D, G, E, F#) chord, or more specifically, a Dadd2add4. This harmonic structure is inherently open, suspended, and harmonically rich, contributing to the tuning's "emotional" resonance by avoiding a simple major or minor resolution.

Chords and Voicings

This tuning provides a unique canvas for chord exploration:

• Open String Resonance: The most immediate and striking aspect is the full, resonant sound of the open Dsus2sus4 chord, perfect for arpeggiation or sustained drones.
• D Major Family: With the prominent D-F#-D notes, D major and D major 7th shapes will be readily accessible and sound particularly full. Fretting a finger across the 2nd fret on strings 3, 2, 1 (E, G#, E) would yield an E minor-like sound over the open bass.
• G Major Insinuations: The G2 on string 4 allows for easy integration of G major harmonies, potentially creating Dsus4 or G/D voicings.
• E Minor Contexts: The E2 on string 5, in combination with the open D and G strings, can lead to intriguing E minor, Em7, or even D/E voicings with a compelling bass drone.
• Melodic Freedom: The open string harmony creates a lush backdrop, encouraging melodic lines to be played over sustained open notes, lending itself well to folk, ambient, or progressive styles.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "emmmmmmmotionall" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps carefully:

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A string): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string for your A string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• String 4 (D string): Tune down 7 semitones to G2. Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very significant drop, a full perfect fifth. A much heavier gauge string for your D string is strongly advised to maintain proper tension and avoid excessive floppiness.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string for your G string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string for your B string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• String 1 (High E string): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

String 6 (lowest string): Tuned to D2.

String 5: Tuned to E2.

String 4: Tuned to G2.

String 3: Tuned to D3.

String 2: Tuned to F#4.

String 1 (highest string): Tuned to D4.