Introduction to Phasing Hazard Tuning

This distinctive tuning, originally designated "Phasing" by its creator "phasinghazard", is crafted to unveil a fresh auditory palette for guitarists. As the description suggests, it is particularly suited for playing powerful rhythms, utilizing a combination of power chords, barre chords, and open string voicings, laying a versatile groundwork for various musical styles.

Technical Analysis of the Open Tuning

The open notes for Phasing Hazard Tuning are D2 G2 D3 E3 A3 C#5, from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string. This configuration creates a rich and expansive sonic character, spanning a wide range from a deep D2 to a bright C#5. When strummed open, the combination of notes primarily suggests a D Major 7th chord with an added 4th (G) and 9th (E). The notable high C#5 on the first string stands out, adding a bright and piercing quality to the overall sound, and creating a very wide interval of a Major 10th (16 semitones) above the 2nd string's A3.

The specific intervals between adjacent strings are: Perfect 4th (D2-G2), Perfect 5th (G2-D3), Major 2nd (D3-E3), Perfect 4th (E3-A3), and Major 10th (A3-C#5). This unique sequence provides a canvas for distinct harmonic possibilities and melodic phrasing. The significant detuning of the lower strings (D-G-D on 6th-5th-4th strings respectively) offers a robust foundation for heavy riffing and creates a resonant, full sound, while the higher strings introduce intriguing extensions and melodic potential.

Chords and Playability

• Open Strum: An open strum delivers a complex Dmaj7add4/9 sonority, rich with overtones and a distinct chime from the high C#5. This can serve as an inspiring drone or a full, ethereal chord.
• Power Chords: The deep detuning of the lower strings provides a sturdy base for powerful chords. While the D-G-D (6th-5th-4th strings) doesn't form a standard power chord with open strings, the intervals make it straightforward to adapt standard power chord shapes, creating unique voicings and enabling heavy, resonant low-end sounds. For instance, barring strings 6 and 5 at the 5th fret would yield G and C, a perfect 4th.
• Barre Chords: Guitarists accustomed to standard tuning will discover new voicings and chord shapes when applying barre techniques. This tuning encourages creative exploration of the fretboard to unlock a host of new harmonic clusters.
• Open Shapes: The tuning's wide tonal range and specific note choices (D, G, D, E, A, C#) are ideal for experimenting with open string drones, pedal tones, and arpeggiated figures that highlight the unique interplay of these notes.

How to Tune (Relative to Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Phasing Hazard Tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings as follows. All movements are relative to standard EADGBe tuning. Please note a potential discrepancy for the 1st string (High E): the tuning instructions below specify tuning down 3 semitones, which would result in C#4, whereas the tuning description above and the provided tuning notes explicitly list C#5. Users should confirm their desired target pitch for this string.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#4. (As noted above, the provided tuning notes specify C#5. If aiming for C#5 from E4, it would require tuning up 9 semitones.)

String 6 (Lowest): D2

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: E3

String 2: A3

String 1 (Highest): C#5