Understanding the "loosie goosy updated" Tuning

The "loosie goosy updated" tuning is a distinctive and deeply resonant alternative tuning for the guitar, characterized by significantly lower string tensions across the board. As its name suggests, all strings are detuned from standard EADGBe, creating a rich, open sound that leans towards a melancholic or introspective feel.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning immediately conveys a sense of depth and warmth. The universally lowered pitch gives the guitar a slacker, more pliable feel, which can be excellent for expressive bends, wide vibrato, and a generally "loose" playing style. The open strings ring out with a complex harmony that evokes moods from contemplative folk to soulful blues or even atmospheric jazz. The overall lower tension also contributes to a fatter tone, especially on the bass strings, making it ideal for a more percussive or fingerstyle approach where sustain is desired.

Technical Analysis

Compared to standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), the "loosie goosy updated" tuning sets the notes as follows: D2 F2 C3 E3 A3 D4 (from low E to high E string).

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned down 2 semitones to D2
• String 5 (A): Tuned down 4 semitones to F2
• String 4 (D): Tuned down 2 semitones to C3
• String 3 (G): Tuned down 3 semitones to E3
• String 2 (B): Tuned down 2 semitones to A3
• String 1 (High E): Tuned down 2 semitones to D4

The open strings themselves form a rich harmonic landscape. When played open, the tuning D2-F2-C3-E3-A3-D4 remarkably creates an open D minor 9 chord. This complex voicing (D-F-A-C-E) offers a sophisticated foundation for songwriting, immediately providing depth and color without any fretting.

The presence of the low D (string 6) and the high D (string 1) creates a strong root and octave, while the F (string 5) and A (string 2) firmly establish the minor tonality. The addition of C (string 4) forms a D minor 7, and the E (string 3) completes the D minor 9. This makes the tuning exceptionally suited for pieces in D minor, allowing for ringing open drones and lush chord voicings. Simple barre chords around the 5th and 7th frets will readily yield G minor and A minor variations, leveraging the inherent D minor 9 structure. The wide intervals between strings 5 (F2) and 4 (C3) – a perfect 5th – and strings 4 (C3) and 3 (E3) – a major 3rd – create interesting opportunities for unique melodic and harmonic patterns.

Because of the significant drop in pitch across all strings, particularly string 5 which is down 4 semitones, players might consider using a heavier gauge string set to maintain optimal tension, clarity, and intonation, though the "loosie goosy" nature might be exactly what some players are looking for.

How to Tune to "loosie goosy updated"

To achieve the "loosie goosy updated" tuning, you will need to detune your guitar significantly from standard EADGBe tuning. Please follow the instructions below carefully for each string.

• String 6 (Low E): From its standard E2, tune down 2 semitones to D2. This gives you a powerful, deep bass note.
• String 5 (A): From its standard A2, tune down 4 semitones to F2. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones significantly reduces string tension. Consider a heavier gauge string if you find this note too slack or buzzing, as this is at the threshold where a different gauge is often advised.
• String 4 (D): From its standard D3, tune down 2 semitones to C3. This shifts the core harmony of the middle strings.
• String 3 (G): From its standard G3, tune down 3 semitones to E3. This is a notable drop, further contributing to the lower tension and unique voicings. Take care when tuning to ensure stability.
• String 2 (B): From its standard B3, tune down 2 semitones to A3. This brings the string into the D minor tonality.
• String 1 (High E): From its standard E4, tune down 2 semitones to D4. This completes the D octave and contributes to the overall open D minor 9 chord.

Always use a reliable tuner for accuracy. Be mindful of string tension when making significant changes to tuning.