The "Malin" tuning transforms a standard six-string guitar into a resonant and versatile instrument, specifically noted for its use in songs like "Draw Me Close To You." This tuning offers a unique soundscape, blending elements of drop tunings with standard intervals, making it suitable for both melodic playing and rich, open chord voicings.

Technical Analysis:

Standard guitar tuning is E-A-D-G-B-e. The Malin tuning diverges significantly, particularly in the lower and highest strings, offering a distinct sonic profile:

• Low E String (6th): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to D2.
• A String (5th): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to G2.
• D String (4th): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to C3.
• G String (3rd): Remains at standard pitch, G3.
• B String (2nd): Remains at standard pitch, B3.
• High e String (1st): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to D4.

The resulting open string notes are D-G-C-G-B-D. This arrangement creates a distinct open voicing. The lowest three strings (D-G-C) form a sequence of perfect fourths (D to G, G to C). The third, second, and first strings (G-B-D) beautifully articulate a G major triad. The overall open chord, D-G-C-G-B-D, contains the notes D, G, C, B. This can be interpreted as a G major chord with an added C (the 4th of G) and a D in the bass, giving it a rich, suspended quality, or a Dsus4 with added G and B. The repeated D and G notes across different octaves add significant resonance and depth, creating a powerful and full sound even with open strumming.

Chordal Opportunities:

Due to its unique structure, the Malin tuning opens up several interesting chordal possibilities:

• Open G Major or Gsus4: The open strings heavily feature notes from the G major chord (G-B-D), making open G-based voicings sound incredibly full and resonant. The presence of C also easily facilitates a Gsus4 sound, adding a contemplative or unresolved quality.
• D-based Chords: With D as the lowest string, D-based chords, especially Dsus4 (D-G-C), become very accessible and rich due to the strong presence of C and G in the open tuning.
• Drone-Friendly: The repeated D and G notes across different octaves make this tuning ideal for drone-like playing and creating ambient textures that can support melodies beautifully.
• Accessible Shapes: Simple barre chords across the lower three strings (D-G-C) will produce powerful root-perfect 4th-perfect 4th intervals. Standard major/minor chord shapes on the top three strings (G-B-D) will still produce their respective G major triad, which can be adapted and extended by the lower strings. For example, barring all strings at the 5th fret yields G-C-F-C-E-G, forming a C major chord with an added F (Cadd11) or a Gsus4 over C, providing a powerful and unique texture that is easy to execute.

Overall, the Malin tuning fosters a sound that is both robust and harmonically intricate, suitable for contemplative pieces, worship music, or any genre benefiting from rich open voicings and a deep, resonant foundation. Its unique combination of lowered strings and standard intervals creates a distinctive voice for the guitar.

How to Tune to Malin:

The Malin tuning requires significant adjustments from standard E-A-D-G-B-e tuning. Please use a reliable tuner and proceed with care, especially when tuning strings down multiple semitones. For movements exceeding -4 or +4 semitones, considering a different gauge string is generally advised to maintain optimal tension and tone; however, this tuning's movements are within a reasonable range for standard gauges.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), maintaining G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), maintaining B3.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.