Verbal and Technical Analysis

The "Blood Bank" tuning, made famous by Bon Iver, is an intriguing and highly resonant alternate guitar tuning that leans heavily into a dark, melancholic, and open soundscape. It shifts away significantly from standard tuning, creating unique harmonic possibilities suitable for atmospheric folk and indie music. The open strings reveal a complex, somewhat dissonant character, with a prominent low D string providing a deep foundation.

Technically, the tuning features a low D (D2) on the 6th string, setting a somber, brooding mood. The 5th string at G#3 introduces a strikingly high and bright element, creating a wide intervallic spread that generates tension against the lower notes. This G# (effectively an A-flat) forms a diminished quality when heard against the D and C, hinting at a D diminished 7th chord (D-F-Ab-C) which often implies instability and yearning. The C3 on the 4th string anchors the middle register, while the two unison G3 strings (3rd and 2nd) provide a strong drone or pedal tone, adding to the tuning's distinctive voice. The high D4 on the 1st string then completes the voicing, often providing a shimmering, high-register counterpoint.

Open Chords and Possibilities

When played open, the D2-G#3-C3-G3-G3-D4 tuning doesn't immediately resolve into a simple major or minor triad, offering instead a rich, complex harmonic texture. The presence of D, G#, C, and G suggests a D diminished 7th chord (D-F-Ab-C) with an added G (perfect 4th/11th). This makes it excellent for creating ambient soundscapes, suspended harmonies, and moving chord voicings that aren't tied to conventional shapes.

Chords built around the open strings will likely involve fingerings that explore the intervals of fourths, fifths, and octaves, especially with the two G strings. The low D provides a powerful root for D-based chords, while the high G# offers a sharp, distinctive color. This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, inviting players to discover new voicings and melodic patterns that leverage the unique open string relationships. Barre chords will take on entirely new qualities due to the shifted intervals.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

• String 6 (Low E String): Tune down 2 semitones from standard E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 1 semitone from standard A2 to G#2.
• String 4 (D String): Tune down 2 semitones from standard D3 to C3.
• String 3 (G String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from standard G3.
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 4 semitones from standard B3 to G3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones can significantly reduce string tension. Consider a slightly heavier gauge string if you find this string too loose or floppy.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune down 2 semitones from standard E4 to D4.

Important Note on String 5: The target note G#3 for String 5, as listed in the full tuning notes, is an octave higher than the G#2 that results from tuning down 1 semitone from a standard A2 string. Achieving G#3 from A2 would require tuning up approximately 11 semitones, plus an additional octave (23 semitones in total), which would place extreme and dangerous tension on a standard guitar string, very likely causing it to break. It is highly recommended to use a significantly lighter gauge string or consult a luthier if you intend to tune this string to G#3, or consider that the intended target might be G#2.