The Roslyn Altered Open Tuning (also known as "Alt Drop D" as per its original designation) sets your guitar to the unique open string notes of D# A# C# F C# F, from the 6th (low E) to the 1st (high E) string. This particular tuning is famously utilized by Bon Iver for his evocative song "Roslyn" and is intended to be played with a Capo on the 1st Fret.

Technical Analysis:

When the guitar is tuned to D# A# C# F C# F and a capo is placed on the 1st fret, the sounding open strings effectively become E B D F# D F#. This specific configuration reveals a beautiful and intricate E minor 7th suspended 2nd (Em7sus2) chord. This sophisticated voicing provides a rich, melancholic, and highly atmospheric foundation. The intervals from the effective root E are a perfect 5th (B), a minor 7th (D), and a major 9th (F#), with the D and F# notes artfully duplicated across the strings for enhanced resonance and drone possibilities. This creates a full, ringing sound even with minimal fretting.

Chords and Playability:

The open Em7sus2 chord offers an immediate, full-bodied sound, making it perfect for intricate fingerstyle arpeggios or expansive strummed textures that evoke a sense of longing or spaciousness. The strategically duplicated D and F# notes facilitate natural internal harmonies, allowing for sparse voicings to still sound complete and resonant. Simple chord shapes achieved by fretting across a single fret (relative to the capo) will naturally produce rich minor 7th sus2 chords up the neck; for example, fretting all strings at the 3rd fret (relative to the capo) yields a Gm7sus2. The strong fundamental root (E) and fifth (B) on the lower strings provide a solid anchor for power chords or bass lines, while the higher D and F# notes contribute bright, ethereal overtones. This makes the tuning exceptionally versatile for ambient soundscapes, textural playing, and experimental harmonies.

How to Tune (from standard EADGBE):

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

Important Note: All string movements described are within safe ranges (less than 4 semitones up or down) for standard guitar string gauges. However, it's always advisable to exercise caution when tuning strings up, especially if using older strings.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to D3#. With a capo on the 1st fret, this string sounds an E.

String 5 (A): Tuned to A3#. With a capo on the 1st fret, this string sounds a B.

String 4 (D): Tuned to C4#. With a capo on the 1st fret, this string sounds a D.

String 3 (G): Tuned to F3. With a capo on the 1st fret, this string sounds an F#.

String 2 (B): Tuned to C5#. With a capo on the 1st fret, this string sounds a D.

String 1 (High E): Tuned to F4. With a capo on the 1st fret, this string sounds an F#.