This unique guitar tuning, which we'll call "D Major Drone with Doubled Strings," is crafted for creating a rich, resonant soundscape. As described by its submitter, it excels at "low, droning melodies and thick chords," and the clever use of doubled A and D notes truly evokes a "12-string-esque chorus effect." This makes it ideal for ambient textures, folk explorations, and even heavy, sustained riffs where a powerful, open sound is desired.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to D2 F#3 A2 A3 D4 D4. This immediately forms a full D Major chord across a wide two-octave range (from D2 on the 6th string to D4 on the 1st and 2nd strings). The specific voicing is highly characteristic:

• The lowest string (D2) provides a deep, foundational root.
• The 5th string is tuned to F#3, the major third, adding brightness.
• The 4th and 3rd strings are tuned to A2 and A3, respectively, providing an octave doubling of the fifth of the chord, adding immense sustain and richness.
• The 2nd and 1st strings are both tuned to D4, creating a powerful unison doubling of the root, reinforcing the D Major sound with a shimmering chorus effect.

The intervals between adjacent strings are quite varied: a very wide Major Tenth (D2-F#3) between the 6th and 5th strings, followed by a significant descending leap (F#3-A2) from the 5th to 4th string. Then, a perfect octave (A2-A3) from 4th to 3rd, a perfect fourth (A3-D4) from 3rd to 2nd, and finally a unison (D4-D4) between the 2nd and 1st strings. This non-standard arrangement makes conventional chord shapes challenging but opens the door to unique voicings and excellent slide or open-string drone playing.

Chordal Possibilities:

• Open D Major: The entire tuning is essentially a massive D Major chord, making it incredibly resonant when strummed open.
• Barre Chords: A simple barre across any fret will produce a major chord. For example, a barre at the 2nd fret will yield an E Major chord, and at the 5th fret, a G Major chord. These will sound incredibly full due to the doubled and octave notes.
• Drone Chords: Given the strong D Major foundation, it's easy to create compelling drones by holding down just a few notes on the higher strings while letting the open D and A strings ring out.
• Power Chords: Simple two or three-finger power chord shapes will be easily accessible on strings 6, 4, and 3 (D, A, A), providing a massive root-fifth-octave sound.

How to Tune:

Exercise caution when tuning, especially with significant string tension changes. If any string movement exceeds -4 or +4 semitones, it is advisable to consider a different gauge string for optimal performance and string longevity.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. (Note: This is a significant drop in pitch; monitor string tension and consider a heavier gauge string if played frequently.)
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones to D4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned down 2 semitones to D2.

String 5 (A): Tuned down 3 semitones to F#3.

String 4 (D): Tuned down 5 semitones to A2.

String 3 (G): Tuned up 2 semitones to A3.

String 2 (B): Tuned up 3 semitones to D4.

String 1 (High E): Tuned down 2 semitones to D4.