Verbal Analysis

The "Cloth" tuning, as described by its creator, springs from a deep affection for 7sus4 chords, aiming for a rich, suspended harmonic landscape. While the open strings themselves naturally form a Dsus2/4 or Dsus9 chord (D-E-G-A), this foundational voicing creates an immediate sense of openness and possibility. The triple presence of the D note across the 6th, 4th, and 1st strings generates a powerful, resonant drone that underpins any melody or chord played. This makes "Cloth" an excellent choice for atmospheric compositions, intricate fingerstyle arrangements, or alternative rock where shimmering, harmonically ambiguous chords are desired. The closely spaced G, D, E, A on the middle strings facilitate easy access to a variety of suspended and extended voicings, contributing to its ethereal and complex character.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E-A-D-G-B-E configuration into a unique D-G-D-E-A-D setup.

• Root Note Dominance: The tuning is firmly centered around the note D, which appears as the lowest bass note (D2), a middle voice (D3), and the highest treble note (D4). This strong D-centricity provides a constant, resonant foundation.
• Open String Harmony: The open strings sound the notes D, E, G, and A. This collection forms a rich Dsus2/4 chord (D-E-G-A) or a Dsus9 chord with an added 4th. This wide, open voicing is inherently suspended, offering a blend of tension and resolution without the need for additional fretting.
• Interval Relationships (from low D): From the 6th string (D2) upwards, the intervals are: Perfect 1st (D), Perfect 4th (G), Octave (D), Major 2nd (E), Perfect 5th (A), and Octave (D). This creates a unique spread of voicings across the neck.
• Chordal Possibilities: The open tuning naturally supports suspended chords, making it easy to form Dsus2, Dsus4, and various extended harmonies with minimal effort. Barring across the fretboard will often yield interesting suspended or quartal voicings. Power chords built on D, G, or A will sound exceptionally full due to the open string resonances. The multiple D strings also allow for rich drone notes while exploring melodic ideas on the higher strings.

How to Tune "Cloth"

To achieve the "Cloth" tuning, you will adjust your standard E-A-D-G-B-E guitar as follows. All string movements are within a safe range for standard gauge strings.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change is required (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Note: While these adjustments are safe for standard strings, always tune carefully and gradually.