Verbal Analysis

The 'Glimpse' tuning is an intriguing and highly resonant custom tuning, primarily built around a D-centric foundation with unique extensions. It significantly drops the lowest E and A strings to D and G respectively, creating a powerful, thick low end. The most dramatic change is the G string, which is tuned down five semitones to D3, aligning it perfectly with the 4th string (also D3). This creates a striking unison or octave effect across the middle of the guitar. The higher strings (B and high E) remain in standard pitch, providing a familiar melodic anchor.

This tuning has a very open and expansive feel, lending itself well to atmospheric soundscapes, drone-like passages, and heavy, resonant chord work. The unique interval spread, particularly the repeated D notes and the inclusion of G, B, and E, suggests a sound that is both rich and potentially complex, moving beyond simple major or minor triads. It's an excellent choice for players looking to explore new harmonic territories, experiment with fingerstyle arpeggios that ring out, or create impactful, low-register riffs with ease.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are D2 G2 D3 D3 B3 E4. Let's analyze these intervals relative to the lowest D:

• String 6 (D2): The root (Perfect 1st).
• String 5 (G2): A perfect 4th above the root D.
• String 4 (D3): An octave above the root D.
• String 3 (D3): A unison with the 4th string, two octaves above the root D.
• String 2 (B3): A major 6th above the root D.
• String 1 (E4): A major 9th (or compound major 2nd) above the root D.

When all open strings are strummed, they form a Dadd4add6add9 voicing (D-G-D-D-B-E). This is a sophisticated and open chord that provides a full, resonant foundation without being strictly major or minor. The strong presence of D (D2, D3, D3) provides a clear tonal center.

Chordal Opportunities

• Open Dsus4: The lower four strings (D-G-D-D) naturally form a powerful Dsus4 chord, ideal for heavy, sustained riffs.
• D Major/Minor Variations: By simply fretting the 3rd string at the 2nd fret (F#3), you can achieve a D major tonality across the D-G-D-F#-B-E strings. Similarly, fretting the 3rd string at the 1st fret (F3) would yield a D minor feel.
• Power Chords: The dropped 6th and 5th strings (D and G) make it incredibly easy to play 5th chords (power chords) by simply barring across these strings, creating deep and impactful sounds. For example, a single finger across the 6th and 5th strings at the 3rd fret yields F5 (F C).
• Unison Drones: The identical D3 notes on strings 4 and 3 create a natural drone. Barring across these strings at any fret will produce an immediate sense of resonance and harmonic interest, particularly useful for melodic lines on the higher strings.
• Open Voicings: The unique intervals allow for rich, complex open voicings that are difficult or impossible to achieve in standard tuning. Experiment with various combinations of open and fretted strings to discover unexpected harmonic textures.

Open String Notes

• String 6: D2 (Low E string tuned down to D)
• String 5: G2 (A string tuned down to G)
• String 4: D3 (D string remains D)
• String 3: D3 (G string tuned down to D)
• String 2: B3 (B string remains B)
• String 1: E4 (High E string remains E)

How to Tune Your Guitar for 'Glimpse'

To achieve the 'Glimpse' tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and follow these adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Please exercise caution with this significant drop, as it drastically reduces string tension. For drops exceeding 4 semitones, it is generally advised to consider using a heavier gauge string.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.