Tuning Analysis: Mayonaise

The 'Mayonaise' tuning for guitar is an intriguing and harmonically rich custom setup. While the original description provided is unconventional, the technical analysis reveals a highly musical and dark character. This tuning centers around a D# minor 7th chord, providing a deep and resonant foundation perfect for atmospheric or heavy musical styles.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to D#3 A#3 A#3 F#4 A#4 C#5. This arrangement immediately highlights a strong D# minor 7th chord (D#-F#-A#-C#), with a unique emphasis due to the doubled A# notes on the 5th and 4th strings.

• Harmonic Foundation: The open strings collectively form a D# minor 7th chord (D#, F#, A#, C#). This creates a very full and melancholic sound when strummed open.
• Unique Voicing: The identical A# notes on the 5th and 4th strings (A#3 and A#3) create a powerful drone or root/fifth effect when played with the low D#. This unique duplication can make for interesting voicings and simplify chord shapes across these strings.
• Intervals: Examining the intervals from low to high:
  • String 6 (D#3) to String 5 (A#3): Perfect 5th
  • String 5 (A#3) to String 4 (A#3): Unison
  • String 4 (A#3) to String 3 (F#4): Diminished 5th (or augmented 4th)
  • String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (A#4): Minor 3rd
  • String 2 (A#4) to String 1 (C#5): Minor 3rd

The consecutive minor third intervals on the higher strings (F#-A#-C#) provide an accessible structure for melodic lines and arpeggios within the D# minor scale, making it relatively easy to navigate for lead playing or creating cascading sounds.

Open Chords & Playability:

The open tuning itself is a rich D# minor 7th. This means that simply strumming all open strings will produce a full, dark chord. The repeated A# notes provide a strong anchor. Due to the diminished 5th between the 4th and 3rd strings (A# to F#) and the subsequent minor thirds, barre chords might require some adjustment, but the inherent D# minor 7th shape is highly accessible. Shapes for other minor chords, particularly those related to D# minor, might fall easily under the fingers. This tuning would be particularly well-suited for blues, rock, metal, or even ambient music looking for a somber and expansive sound.

Tuning Notes for Mayonaise

Here are the specific notes for each string in the 'Mayonaise' tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• String 6 (Low E): D#3
• String 5 (A): A#3
• String 4 (D): A#3
• String 3 (G): F#4
• String 2 (B): A#4
• String 1 (High E): C#5

How to Tune Your Guitar for Mayonaise

To achieve the 'Mayonaise' tuning from standard E Standard tuning, follow these adjustments for each string. Please exercise caution, especially with significant pitch changes, and consider string gauge if adjustments exceed 4 semitones.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitones from E to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitones from A to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones from D to A#3. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If your strings feel too slack, a heavier gauge string is advised for this position.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitones from G to F#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitones from B to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 3 semitones from E to C#5.