This unique tuning, which we've named Extended Chromatic Drop, is an exploration into unconventional harmony. It was created as an "Experiment 1 Tuning" by its designer through "combining extended chords," and it breaks away significantly from standard guitar tuning, offering a fresh palette for adventurous players.

Verbal Analysis

Upon first encountering Extended Chromatic Drop, one immediately notices the vast range and unusual intervals. The tuning spans from a very low D2 on the 6th string to a high D#5 on the 2nd string, creating an expansive sonic landscape. The wide jumps and drops between adjacent strings suggest a design less for conventional open strumming and more for intricate arpeggiated figures, specific melodic lines, or complex harmonic voicings. This tuning invites a more deliberate, fingerstyle approach, where each note's placement contributes to the overall rich and often dissonant texture. The presence of both D2 and D#5 creates a striking, almost clashing, chromatic drone possibility across different octaves.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for Extended Chromatic Drop are D2-F#3-A#3-E3-D#5-G4. Let's break down the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (F#3): A substantial leap of a minor tenth (17 semitones), creating a wide, open bass.
• String 5 (F#3) to String 4 (A#3): A minor third (3 semitones), establishing an augmented quality.
• String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (E3): A diminished fifth or tritone (6 semitones), a highly dissonant and tension-filled interval.
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (D#5): A massive jump of a major thirteenth (20 semitones), significantly expanding the upper register.
• String 2 (D#5) to String 1 (G4): A drop of a minor sixth (8 semitones), creating a unique melodic twist in the higher strings.

This tuning is clearly crafted for advanced harmonic concepts. The lowest three strings (D2, F#3, A#3) immediately present an open D Augmented triad, providing a strong, rich foundation. This foundational harmony is then extended and chromatically altered by the subsequent strings. When played open, the full chord (D2-F#3-A#3-E3-D#5-G4) creates a very dense and complex voicing. It can be analyzed as a highly extended E altered dominant or Emaj7#9sus4 chord (E G A# D D# F#) if viewed from the E string, highlighting the "extended chords" intent. It’s rich with both consonance and deliberate dissonance, offering unique textures for jazz, experimental, or ambient music.

Given the structure, certain chords become readily accessible or can be easily formed: The open D Augmented chord on strings 6, 5, and 4 is prominent and can be easily droned or arpeggiated. Barre chords built upon this D Augmented foundation would offer unusual voicings. The wide interval between the 3rd and 2nd strings (E3 to D#5) allows for interesting melodic leaps or sustained drone possibilities, while the chromatic relationship between D#5 and G4 on the upper strings provides a unique melodic flavor for lead lines. Players exploring this tuning might find themselves drawn to arpeggios that emphasize these wide intervals and chromatic clusters, opening doors to highly individualized musical expression.

How to Tune

To achieve the Extended Chromatic Drop tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the instructions below. Note that some movements are significant, and for optimal playability and string longevity, consider consulting a luthier or using appropriate string gauges if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning long-term, especially for movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down.

• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• String 5: Tune down 3 semitones to reach F#3.
• String 4: Tune down 4 semitones to reach A#3.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones to reach E3.
• String 2: Tune up 4 semitones to reach D#5.
• String 1: Tune up 3 semitones to reach G4.

Important Note on String Gauge: String 4 requires tuning down 4 semitones, and String 2 requires tuning up 4 semitones. While these are at the edge of what's generally considered safe for standard gauges, tuning up or down more than 4 semitones often benefits from a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent string breakage or neck damage. Always proceed with caution when making significant tuning changes and monitor your instrument closely.

The notes for each string in Extended Chromatic Drop tuning are:

• String 6: D2
• String 5: F#3
• String 4: A#3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: D#5
• String 1: G4