Verbal Description

The 'Processional' tuning for Guitar presents a deep, resonant, and harmonically rich soundscape, ideal for creating majestic, contemplative, or even somber musical pieces. Its unique interval structure lends itself to a sound that is both grand and slightly melancholic, living up to its name which suggests a stately and deliberate progression. The lower strings provide a solid, almost drone-like foundation, while the upper strings introduce distinctive color and complexity. This tuning is not a simple open major or minor chord, encouraging exploration of modal harmonies and rich voicings.

Open Chords & Musical Feel

When strummed open, the 'Processional' tuning (D2-G2-D3-F3-A3-A4#) reveals a complex, layered chord. It contains a D minor triad (D-F-A) at its core, giving it a somewhat somber or reflective quality. The presence of the G2 in the bass acts as a perfect fourth, creating a robust, full sound. The highest string, A4# (enharmonically Bb), introduces a striking augmented fifth or minor sixth (flat 13th) over the D minor, adding a unique, almost cinematic tension or a rich, sustained harmony reminiscent of a D minor chord with an added 6th or 9th if viewed from a different root. This makes the open tuning particularly expressive, suggesting:

• D Minor with Extensions: A D minor chord (D-F-A) with a strong G bass note and a high Bb (A#) creating a D minor with a complex upper structure, possibly implying D Dorian or even a G minor sound with a D pedal.
• Drone Potential: The repeated D notes (D2, D3) and the strong D-G-D pattern in the lower strings create an excellent platform for drone effects and sustained harmonies.
• Modal Exploration: The non-standard intervals naturally guide players towards more modal scales and melodic approaches rather than typical diatonic patterns.

Due to the strong D minor presence and the unique top note, chords that utilize the open strings or simple barrés will yield rich and often unexpected voicings. Barre chords will shift the entire structure, allowing for easy transposition of this distinct harmonic character.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E-A-D-G-B-E guitar setup into D-G-D-F-A-A#. It involves significant detuning across most strings, resulting in a lower overall pitch and a different string tension profile. The tuning features an octave of D (D2, D3) and a perfect fifth (G2-D3), establishing a powerful low end. The intervals between the strings are:

• 6th String (D2) to 5th String (G2): Perfect 4th (+5 semitones)
• 5th String (G2) to 4th String (D3): Perfect 5th (+7 semitones)
• 4th String (D3) to 3rd String (F3): Minor 3rd (+3 semitones)
• 3rd String (F3) to 2nd String (A3): Major 3rd (+4 semitones)
• 2nd String (A3) to 1st String (A4#): Augmented Octave (+13 semitones)

The consistent drop of 2 semitones on most strings, combined with the extreme change on the highest string, makes this a very distinct tuning that will feel quite different under the fingers compared to standard tuning.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the 'Processional' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string movements:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 6 semitones. This instruction from a standard E4 string would result in an A#3. However, the target note for this tuning, as provided, is A4#. Achieving A4# from a standard E4 string would typically require tuning up 6 semitones, not down, and would place extreme tension on a standard gauge string. Please proceed with caution, understanding the specified movement and the target note, and consider a suitable string gauge.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings significantly down (more than 4 semitones), the string tension will be considerably reduced. This can result in a 'floppy' feel, reduced sustain, and potential fret buzz. For the 1st string, tuning down 6 semitones to A#3 (as implied by the movement instruction) would result in very low tension for a standard high E string. If the ultimate goal is A4# as specified in the target notes, this would require tuning up 6 semitones from E4, which would put extreme tension on a standard string and potentially risk breakage or neck damage. It is advisable to use a heavier gauge string for strings tuned down significantly or a lighter gauge for strings tuned up significantly (if you aim for A4# on string 1). Consult a luthier if you are unsure about string gauge changes for extreme tunings.

6th String: D2

5th String: G2

4th String: D3

3rd String: F3

2nd String: A3

1st String: A4#