The 'Star Tuning,' also known as 'Estrela Omissa Tuning,' is a captivating open tuning for guitar, described by its creator as sounding "beautiful and kinda ethereal." This unique tuning, famously featured in the track "Estrela Omissa" by the band "Cabiria" (listen on Spotify), promises a resonant and spacious sonic landscape, perfect for creating atmospheric and expressive music.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings for Star Tuning are set to D2 G2 D3 F#4 A3 A3. Upon analysis, this arrangement strongly articulates a D Major tonality. The notes D, G, D, F#, A, A collectively form a D Major chord (comprising D, F#, and A) with an added G (the perfect 4th or 11th). This results in a rich Dmaj11 voicing, ensuring that an open strum yields a full-bodied, resonant D Major sound that immediately conveys an ethereal quality, as described by the creator. The presence of both a low D2 and a middle D3, along with two A strings (A3), contributes to a powerful, drone-like sustain, further enhancing the spacious feel of the tuning.

The inherent Dmaj11 chord within the open strings makes this tuning exceptionally conducive for melodic playing over a D Major key center. Standard major/minor barre chords will need to be re-evaluated as the internal intervals between strings are altered, but movable shapes will still be effective, simply shifting the root. The low D-G-D configuration offers a solid foundation for powerful root-fifth-fourth voicings or open string drones, providing a robust base for musical ideas. The upper F#4-A3-A3 strings offer bright, shimmering harmonics and lead possibilities that complement the deep, resonant bass.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'Star Tuning,' adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe tuning as follows:

• String 6 (Low E, standard E2): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A, standard A2): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D, standard D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G, standard G3): Tune down 1 semitone to F#3.
• String 2 (B, standard B3): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E, standard E4): Tune down 7 semitones to A3. Please exercise caution when tuning down 7 semitones. This is a significant change in string tension, and using a different gauge string is strongly advised for optimal playability, tone, and to prevent string floppiness.

String 6: D2

String 5: G2

String 4: D3

String 3: F#4

String 2: A3

String 1: A3