This is a unique and intriguing tuning, which we've named Modified D Standard (High E). It takes the familiar D Standard tuning as its base but introduces a significant twist on the highest string, offering a distinctive sonic landscape for adventurous guitarists.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning provides a generally lower, heavier feel due to the first five strings being tuned down a whole step from standard EADGBe. This creates a darker, slacker sound, perfect for genres that demand a robust low end or a more brooding atmosphere. However, the high E string (1st string) remains at its standard pitch, creating an unexpected brightness and tension against the lower, detuned strings. This contrast can be used for striking melodic lines, cutting lead work, or creating shimmering, dissonant textures where the high E acts as a drone or a sharp counterpoint. It's a tuning that invites experimentation, particularly in fingerstyle, metal, or experimental music where unique harmonic possibilities are explored.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are D2 G2 C3 F3 A3 E4, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. When compared to standard E Standard tuning, the 6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings are all tuned down by 2 semitones (a major second or whole step). The 1st string remains at E4, making it the only string not detuned from its standard pitch.

The intervals between the strings are as follows:

• 6th (D2) to 5th (G2): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• 5th (G2) to 4th (C3): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• 4th (C3) to 3rd (F3): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• 3rd (F3) to 2nd (A3): Major 3rd (+4 semitones)
• 2nd (A3) to 1st (E4): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)

The consistent perfect 4th intervals across the lowest four strings (D-G-C-F) make power chords and certain movable shapes very accessible in this range. A single-finger barre across these four strings at any fret will yield a series of perfect 4ths. The break in this pattern with a Major 3rd (F-A) and then a Perfect 5th (A-E) on the higher strings means that standard chord shapes will need significant re-learning and adaptation.

Open Chords & Harmonic Possibilities

While the open strings D-G-C-F-A-E do not form a traditional major or minor triad, they present interesting harmonic textures:

• The bottom four strings (D-G-C-F) are all Perfect 4ths, allowing for easy exploration of parallel harmonies and "stacking" sounds with simple fretboard movements. Power chords can be easily moved across these strings.
• The interval from the 2nd string (A3) to the 1st string (E4) is a Perfect 5th. This strong interval can be leveraged for ringing drones or simple melodic lines where the top two strings create a powerful harmonic foundation.
• The open strings as a whole create a somewhat dissonant and open sound, leaning towards suspended qualities or complex extended chords rather than simple major/minor. For instance, the sequence F-A-E (strings 3-2-1) forms a unique stack that could be interpreted as elements of an E minor chord with added dissonances, or a highly altered F chord.
• Due to the dropped tuning of the lower strings, many standard open chord shapes will not translate directly. However, new, unique open voicings will emerge. For example, a shape like xx0000 will ring out as DGCFAE, a distinctly modern and open sound. A Dsus4 chord could be formed with minimal fretting, leveraging the open D, G, and C.

This tuning is a playground for discovering new voicings and melodic patterns, particularly for those who enjoy working with open string drones and rich, sometimes dissonant, harmonic structures.

How to Tune

To achieve the Modified D Standard (High E) tuning, follow these steps for each string. Please ensure your guitar is in standard EADGBe tuning before starting. All movements are within safe limits for standard string gauges.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.