The "Panda Bear" tuning, as described by Panda Bear himself, is noted for its "lovely" qualities and potential for unique "shapes and voicings." This suggests a tuning that moves beyond conventional guitar harmony, inviting exploration and offering a distinct, inspiring sonic character.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string, are D#3, A#3, D#4, G3, A#4, C4. This is a fascinating and somewhat unconventional setup, featuring a re-entrant arrangement in the higher strings:

• The 3rd string (G3) is tuned lower in pitch than the 4th string (D#4).
• The 1st string (C4) is tuned significantly lower in pitch than the 2nd string (A#4).

Analyzing the harmonic structure:

• The lowest three strings (D#3, A#3, D#4) establish a strong D# power chord (root-fifth-octave).
• When all open strings are played together, the unique notes D#, G, A#, C combine to form a D# Major 6th chord (D#, G, A#, C). This open voicing is inherently rich, warm, and provides a distinct harmonic foundation.
• The duplication of notes—D# on both the 6th and 4th strings, and A# on both the 5th and 2nd strings—enhances resonance and harmonic depth, creating a fuller sound.
• The re-entrant nature and unusual interval pairings, such as the 3rd string (G3) being a minor third above the 6th string (D#3) but a major 6th below the 4th string (D#4), open up unique melodic and arpeggiated possibilities, challenging standard fingerboard navigation.

Open Chords & Voicings

The most immediate and prominent open chord in this tuning is a D# Major 6th. Strumming the open strings will yield this lush, resonant chord, perfect for evocative musical passages. Due to the re-entrant strings and the D# Major 6th base, moving this shape up the neck via barre chords will transpose this quality, making it easy to play D Major 6th, C Major 6th, etc., depending on the fret position.

The unconventional string relationships encourage players to experiment with new "shapes and voicings." Guitarists will find themselves discovering fresh fingerings for common chord qualities and uncovering unique arpeggio patterns that leverage the surprising pitch placements. The tuning lends itself well to drone-based music, ambient textures, and fingerstyle arrangements where individual string voicings can truly shine.

How to Tune

To achieve the "Panda Bear" tuning, adjust your guitar strings as follows. The movements are described relative to standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E):

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to a D#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone to an A#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone to a D#4.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to an A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to a C4.

Important String Gauge Advisory: The 1st string (High E) requires a significant drop of 4 semitones. For optimal tension and tone, or if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods, consider using a slightly heavier gauge string for the 1st string. This can help prevent floppiness and maintain intonation.