DFAFAC# Guitar Tuner

DFAFAC# | DFAFAD♭ Interstellar Eddie Van Der - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - Interstellar Eddie Van Der

Tuning for https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dR5V0jskSs

Tuning Overview: Interstellar Eddie Van Der

This unique and evocative tuning, named "Interstellar Eddie Van Der," is specifically crafted for the composition referenced in the provided YouTube link. It features a deep, resonant, and somewhat haunting sonic landscape, achieved by significantly lowering the pitch of every string from standard EADGBe tuning.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning presents a compelling D minor major 7 chord (D-F-A-C#) when played open. The open strings resonate with a dark yet sophisticated harmony, making it immediately inspiring for atmospheric or complex musical pieces. The repetition of F and A across different octaves (F2 on string 5, A2 on string 4, F3 on string 3, A3 on string 2) creates a rich, layered texture that rings out beautifully. Players will find that traditional chord shapes are rendered largely unusable, encouraging exploration of new voicings and fingerings, particularly for open strings and drone notes. The overall slacker string tension contributes to a looser feel, ideal for expressive bends and wide vibrato, reminiscent of blues or certain progressive rock styles but with a darker, more introspective edge.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, every string has been dramatically lowered:

String 6 (Low E) is tuned down 2 semitones to D2.
String 5 (A) is tuned down 4 semitones to F2.
String 4 (D) is tuned down 5 semitones to A2.
String 3 (G) is tuned down 2 semitones to F3.
String 2 (B) is tuned down 2 semitones to A3.
String 1 (High E) is tuned down 3 semitones to C#5.

The resulting open tuning notes are D2 F2 A2 F3 A3 C#5. This arrangement forms a D minor major 7 chord (D-F-A-C#) with octave doublings of F and A. The intervals between strings are:

String 6 to 5: Minor 3rd (D2 to F2)
String 5 to 4: Major 3rd (F2 to A2)
String 4 to 3: Minor 6th (A2 to F3) - a wide interval, creating interesting harmonic possibilities.
String 3 to 2: Major 3rd (F3 to A3)
String 2 to 1: Major 10th (A3 to C#5) - a very wide interval, essentially a Major 3rd spanning an octave.

The overall downtuned nature significantly reduces string tension, which can be advantageous for fluid lead playing or, conversely, may require a heavier string gauge for optimal feel and intonation. The distinct voicings make this tuning highly suitable for creating drones, atmospheric soundscapes, and exploring unconventional chord progressions.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Interstellar Eddie Van Der" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise adjustments. Please note that several strings are tuned down significantly, which may require a change to a heavier string gauge for optimal tension and playability.

String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F2. (Tuning down 4 semitones or more may benefit from a heavier gauge string.)
String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Tuning down 4 semitones or more may benefit from a heavier gauge string.)
String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.