This unique guitar tuning, originally discovered on Reddit, offers a distinctive sonic landscape ideal for players exploring open chords, heavy riffs, and resonant harmonies. The tuning, named D# Minor Open with Unison C, establishes a dark and moody foundation through its prominent D# minor triad across the lower strings, complemented by the unusual unison tuning of the two highest strings.

Technical Analysis

This Guitar tuning is an altered configuration from standard EADGBe. The open strings are voiced as D#3, A#3, D#4, F3, C4, C4 (from low E to high E string equivalent). The arrangement of D# (root), A# (perfect 5th), D# (octave), F (minor 3rd) across the first four strings immediately forms a powerful D# minor chord. The addition of C4 on both the 2nd and 1st strings creates a unique color, functioning as a minor 6th (b6) relative to D#, or offering a dissonant yet compelling extension. This tuning provides a rich, full open chord, conducive to powerful strumming and intricate arpeggios that leverage the drone qualities of the open strings. The unison C notes on the high strings open up possibilities for sustained melodic lines, pedal tones, or harmonized riffs.

Open Chords and Voicings

With the open strings, you automatically have a D# minor (add b6) chord available. This makes for a strong root position voicing. Chords such as D# power chords, D# minor triad shapes, and variations incorporating the C notes are readily accessible. The intervals between strings are: Perfect 5th (6th to 5th), Perfect 4th (5th to 4th), Minor 3rd (4th to 3rd), Perfect 5th (3rd to 2nd), and Unison (2nd to 1st). This combination can inspire unusual chord inversions and leads, especially when utilizing the open D# minor triad as a base.

How to Tune

To achieve the D# Minor Open with Unison C tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements:

• 6th String (Low E equivalent): Tune down 1 semitone from E to D# (D#3).
• 5th String (A equivalent): Tune up 1 semitone from A to A# (A3#).
• 4th String (D equivalent): Tune up 1 semitone from D to D# (D4#).
• 3rd String (G equivalent): Tune down 2 semitones from G to F (F3).
• 2nd String (B equivalent): Tune up 1 semitone from B to C (C4).
• 1st String (High E equivalent): Tune down 4 semitones from E to C (C4). Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods, or if your strings feel too slack, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 1st string to maintain tension and intonation.