This is the "Darrell Scott Spanish Tuning," speculated to be the tuning used by Darrell Scott on "Spanish Is The Loving Tongue," a piece often played with a capo at the second fret.

Verbal Analysis

At first glance, this tuning presents a unique and open character, designed for a rich, complex sound. The open strings are D-G-C-F-A#-F (from low to high). If we enharmonically consider A# as Bb, the open notes are D, G, C, F, Bb. This collection of notes strongly suggests a Bb Major tonality, creating a Bb Major 9 (add 11) chord when all strings are strummed open (Bb-D-F-G-C). This provides a full, resonant, and often melancholic or introspective quality, ideal for atmospheric or folk-style playing.

The lower four strings (D-G-C-F) are all tuned in perfect fourths. This symmetrical foundation is reminiscent of a bass guitar or specific jazz tunings, making it intuitive to navigate scales and arpeggios across these strings. The subsequent intervals, however, become highly distinctive. The jump from the 3rd string (F3) to the 2nd string (A#4) is an exceptionally wide interval (a minor tenth or 15 semitones), followed by a perfect fifth drop from the 2nd string (A#4) to the 1st string (F4). This suggests the upper strings are utilized for specific melodic accents, drones, or sustained harmonies rather than conventional chord voicings.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open String Notes (low to high): D2 - G2 - C3 - F3 - A#4 - F4
• Interval Analysis:
  • String 6 (D2) to String 5 (G2): Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • String 5 (G2) to String 4 (C3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • String 4 (C3) to String 3 (F3): Perfect Fourth (P4)
  • String 3 (F3) to String 2 (A#4): Minor Tenth (M10, or 15 semitones). This is an exceptionally wide interval, requiring careful consideration of string gauge for the 2nd string to achieve this high pitch without excessive tension or breakage.
  • String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (F4): Perfect Fifth Down (P5 Down, or -7 semitones)
• Chordal Implications: The open strings (D, G, C, F, A# [Bb]) collectively form a complex voicing often associated with a Bb Major 9 (add 11) chord. This provides a rich, ambient backdrop for melodic improvisation or fingerstyle arrangements.
• Capo Application: The tuning description notes that this setup is often played with a capo at the 2nd fret. With a capo applied, the open notes would effectively become E-A-D-G-C-G. This capoed tuning, containing notes E, A, D, G, C, hints at a C Major 9 (add 11) tonality, providing another layer of harmonic possibility.

Chordal Opportunities

• Open Chord Voicing: A full strum of the open strings produces a rich Bb Major 9 (add 11) sound, serving as a strong home base for musical exploration.
• Symmetrical Voicings: The consistent perfect fourths on the lower strings (D-G-C-F) make it straightforward to create symmetrical chord shapes and lead lines. Barre chords across these four strings will yield clear, predictable harmonic results.
• Modal Playability: The tuning's characteristic intervals lend themselves well to modal playing, particularly in Bb Major or F Lydian b7 modes, allowing for expressive drones and sustained harmonies.
• Unique Melodic Possibilities: The distinct and wide intervals on the top two strings (the high A#4 and subsequent F4) are likely intended for specific melodic lines, arpeggios, or pedal tones that exploit their unusual relationship and tension.

This tuning is designed for a player seeking a distinct harmonic landscape, offering a blend of familiar lower string symmetry with intriguing, high-tension upper string voicings for intricate melodic work.

How to Tune (Darrell Scott Spanish Tuning)

To achieve the Darrell Scott Spanish Tuning, adjust each string according to the movements below. These instructions indicate the change needed from an unspecified initial pitch to reach the target note, as provided in the tuning data.

• String 6: Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4: Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3: Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2: Tune down 1 semitone to A#4. Please be aware that the target note A#4 (Bb4) is very high. If you are starting from a standard B3, reaching A#4 would mean tuning up significantly, a change of +11 semitones, which exceeds the recommended +4 semitone limit for a standard string gauge. A lighter gauge string is strongly advised for this string to avoid breakage and ensure proper tension.
• String 1: Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

Always exercise caution when adjusting string tension. While most individual string movements listed are minor, the resulting high pitch for the 2nd string (A#4) is a critical point of attention. Ensure your guitar's setup and string gauges are appropriate for such a demanding tuning to prevent damage.