Originating from a dream, the Bit Spooky tuning for Guitar offers a unique and atmospheric sonic landscape, moving far beyond standard tunings into a realm of rich harmonies and resonant drones.

Technical Analysis & Chordal Possibilities

This intriguing open tuning presents the notes D#3, A#3, D#4, F#4, A#4, B3 (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string). When analyzed harmonically, these unique notes (B, D#, F#, A#) form a B Major 7th chord. However, the tuning is voiced with D# as the lowest note, effectively creating a D# / Bmaj7 voicing. This inversion, with its prominent major seventh interval and a low D# drone, immediately lends itself to an ethereal, melancholic, and indeed 'spooky' quality.

With the open strings ringing as a B Major 7th chord, this tuning provides an instant rich, complex harmony. It is ideally suited for ambient music, film scores, progressive rock, or any genre seeking a distinct and evocative sound. The presence of the D# minor triad (D#, F#, A#) across strings 6, 4, 3, and 2 means that minor chords, arpeggios, and melodic phrases in D# minor will sound particularly resonant and natural. The open string configuration allows for easy exploration of moving this B Major 7th shape up the neck, effortlessly creating C Major 7th, C# Major 7th, and other major seventh chords.

The low D# on the 6th string serves as a powerful bass foundation, making this tuning excellent for droning, fingerstyle patterns, or slide guitar where open string resonance is a key element. Experiment with simple two or three-finger voicings to unlock complex and unexpected harmonies, leveraging the inherent major seventh quality of the open strings.

How to Tune

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), it is generally advisable to consider using a different string gauge to maintain optimal playability and string longevity.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitones from E to D#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitones from A to A#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitones from D to D#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitones from G to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitones from B to A#4.
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 5 semitones from E to B3. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a substantial adjustment; considering a heavier gauge string for the 1st string is highly recommended for stability and tone.)

The open notes for the Bit Spooky tuning are as follows (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string):

• 6th String: D3#
• 5th String: A3#
• 4th String: D4#
• 3rd String: F4#
• 2nd String: A4#
• 1st String: B3