Tuning Analysis: Open Db

This intriguing tuning, named 'Open Db', presents a unique sonic landscape for the adventurous guitarist. While its name might suggest a straightforward open Db major chord (Db-F-Ab), a direct strum of the open strings reveals a more complex and dissonant harmony. This opens up possibilities for experimental sounds, specific melodic voicings, or techniques like slide guitar to navigate its distinct intervals.

Technical Breakdown

The open notes, from the 6th (low E) to the 1st (high E) string, are D#3, A#3, D#4, F3, A#4, E4. When these notes are played together, they produce a rich, tension-filled chord. The presence of both D# (Eb) and E, along with F, creates minor second (half-step) and major second intervals within the open voicing, leading to a strong, somewhat clashing resonance. This makes it challenging to play conventional major or minor open chords without specific fretting, muting, or adjusting to the unique harmonic structure.

Despite the inherent dissonance in its open form, the repetition of D# and A# (Eb and Bb) across several strings (6th, 5th, 4th, and 2nd) offers interesting possibilities. For instance, by muting or carefully fretting the 3rd (F) and 1st (E) strings, a robust Eb5 power chord (Eb-Bb-Eb-Bb) could be emphasized. The unusual intervals suggest this tuning might be particularly well-suited for blues, modern experimental music, or genres that embrace harmonic tension and unique voicings, possibly even for slide guitar where the inherent dissonances can be easily glided into resolution.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Open Db' tuning from standard E Standard (E A D G B E), follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down to D#3 (Eb3) — a movement of 1 semitone down.
• 5th String (A): Tune up to A#3 (Bb3) — a movement of 1 semitone up.
• 4th String (D): Tune up to D#4 (Eb4) — a movement of 1 semitone up.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down to F3 — a movement of 2 semitones down.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down to A#4 (Bb4) — a movement of 1 semitone down.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is — no change (0 semitones).

All string movements are minor, typically within 1-2 semitones, indicating that standard string gauges should be suitable for this tuning without excessive tension or looseness concerns.

6th String: Tuned to D#3 (Eb3)

5th String: Tuned to A#3 (Bb3)

4th String: Tuned to D#4 (Eb4)

3rd String: Tuned to F3

2nd String: Tuned to A#4 (Bb4)

1st String: Tuned to E4