This unique 5-string guitar tuning, crafted for Rafi Haen's cover of "Usotsuki," offers a rich and resonant sound profile, particularly suited for open, melodic playing and powerful chord voicings. It is based on a distinctive approach to Open G tuning, adapted for the specific demands of the song.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are D2 G2 D3 G3 B3, from the lowest playable string (traditionally the Low E string) to the highest provided string (traditionally the B string).

• The lowest string (String 5, traditionally Low E) is tuned down a full step from E2 to D2.
• String 4 (traditionally A) is tuned down a full step from A2 to G2.
• Strings 3, 2, and 1 (traditionally D, G, and B respectively) remain at their standard pitches: D3, G3, and B3.

This configuration results in a tuning that strongly resembles the lower five strings of an Open G tuning (DGDGBD). The open strings collectively form a G Major chord (G-B-D) with a low D as the bass note, creating a powerful G/D voicing. The intervals from the lowest D are a Perfect 4th (G), an Octave (D), another Perfect 4th (G), and a Major 6th (B).

Playability and Chord Opportunities

One of the most appealing aspects of this tuning is the ease with which major chords can be played. By simply barring across all five open strings at any fret, you can effortlessly produce a major chord rooted at that fret, relative to G. For example:

• Open (Fret 0): G Major chord (G/D)
• Barre at Fret 2: A Major chord (A/E)
• Barre at Fret 5: C Major chord (C/G)

This feature makes the tuning highly intuitive for strumming-based songs that utilize major harmonies. The deep D and G strings provide a rich, droning quality, excellent for rhythmic accompaniment or powerful lead lines. Players accustomed to Open G or DADGAD tunings will find familiar territory and new possibilities for unique voicings and melodic ideas, leveraging the sustained lower notes against the higher, brighter strings.

Tuning Notes

The target notes for each string are as follows (from lowest to highest):

• String 5: D2
• String 4: G2
• String 3: D3
• String 2: G3
• String 1: B3

How to Tune

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the "The tuning for usotsuki cover made by Rafi Haen" tuning from standard EADGBe (6-string guitar):

• String 5 (Lowest String, traditionally Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E2 pitch to D2. This is a moderate adjustment and is generally safe for standard string gauges.
• String 4 (Traditionally A string): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard A2 pitch to G2. This is a moderate adjustment and is generally safe for standard string gauges.
• String 3 (Traditionally D string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard D3 pitch, remaining at D3.
• String 2 (Traditionally G string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard G3 pitch, remaining at G3.
• String 1 (Highest provided string, traditionally B string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard B3 pitch, remaining at B3.

Important Note on String Gauge: Adjustments of 4 semitones or more (up or down) often require a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or buzzing. In this tuning, the maximum adjustment is 2 semitones down, which falls within a safe range for most standard guitar string sets.