This is an intricate and resonant open tuning for the Guitar, originally known as "CHFOD Version 3" with the description "This is version 3". It provides a unique sonic landscape, blending deep, droning bass notes with a bright, melancholic upper register. The tuning creates a rich harmonic foundation, making it ideal for fingerstyle, slide, and creating expansive, ambient soundscapes. Its inherent modal qualities make it highly versatile for various musical genres, from folk and blues to contemporary and experimental music.

Technical Analysis:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open Notes: D2 G2 D3 F#4 A3 C#5 (from the lowest string to the highest string).
• Harmonic Structure: The open strings produce the notes D, G, F#, A, C#. Arranged in order, these are C#, D, F#, G, A. This combination suggests a D modal harmony. The D root notes on strings 6 and 4 provide a solid anchor. The F# (Major 3rd), A (Perfect 5th), and C# (Major 7th) over the D bass create a Dmaj7 chord quality. The G (Perfect 4th or 11th) adds a distinctive sus4 or Lydian flavor, resulting in a complex Dmaj7#11 or D Lydian Sus4 voicing.
• Chordal Voicings:
  • Playing all strings open creates a rich, full sound with a Dmaj7#11 or D Lydian feel, perfect for lush harmonies and drones.
  • The lower three strings (D2 G2 D3) form a Gsus2 inversion (G-D-D) or a Dsus4 voicing, providing a strong, open drone effect.
  • The upper three strings (F#4 A3 C#5) distinctly form an F# minor triad (F# A C#), adding a poignant, almost melancholic, melodic layer to the overall sound.
  • The tuning offers easy access to various movable chords. By barring all strings at any fret, you can easily transpose the open tuning's inherent chord quality. For example, barring at the 2nd fret yields an Emaj7#11 or E Lydian sound (E A E G# B D#).
  • Power chords based on D (e.g., D5 on strings 6, 4), G (e.g., G5 by barring the 5th fret on strings 6, 5, 4), and A (e.g., A5 on strings 5, 2) are readily available due to the strategic placement of repeated D notes and the open G string.

How to Tune:

To achieve this tuning, adjust your guitar strings according to the following instructions based on the provided string movements. Please use a reliable tuner and proceed with care.

• String 6 (Lowest String): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5: Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3: Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

All string movements for this tuning are within 4 semitones up or down. Therefore, a change in string gauge is generally not required for these specific tuning adjustments, as they fall within moderate tension changes. Always ensure strings are seated correctly and tension is evenly distributed.