This profound tuning, officially known as "the world tuning" and here described as the D# Minor Eleventh Tuning, reshapes the guitar's sonic potential. It creates a deep, resonant quality with its array of lowered strings and a distinctive open chord voicing, perfectly suited for rich, dark, and expansive soundscapes. The overall feel is one of depth and introspection, offering a foundation for intricate melodic lines or powerful, sustained chords.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D#3, A#3, F#3, C#4, G#4, D#5. When strummed open, these notes form a complex and evocative D# Minor 11th (D#m11) chord. This chord is built from a D# root, with its minor third (F#), perfect fourth/eleventh (G#), perfect fifth (A#), minor seventh (C#), and octave (D#) present across the strings.

The intervallic structure between adjacent strings is particularly interesting:

• 6th to 5th string (D#3 to A#3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• 5th to 4th string (A#3 to F#3): Tritone (6 semitones) - This is the most unusual interval, breaking the pattern.
• 4th to 3rd string (F#3 to C#4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• 3rd to 2nd string (C#4 to G#4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• 2nd to 1st string (G#4 to D#5): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)

The prevalence of Perfect 5th intervals across five of the six strings makes this tuning exceptionally well-suited for playing powerful, resonant chord voicings, particularly 'power chords' (root-fifth) which will ring out with great clarity. The central tritone between the 5th and 4th strings adds a distinctive tension and complexity, offering unique harmonic possibilities. Chord shapes that utilize the consistent 5ths will feel natural, while the tritone opens up avenues for more modern or dissonant sounds. This tuning encourages exploration of open-string drones and arpeggiated figures that highlight its rich harmonic content.

How to Tune

To achieve the D# Minor Eleventh Tuning (or "the world tuning"), carefully adjust each string according to the following instructions. Please note the significant drops in pitch for some strings, which may require lighter gauge strings for optimal tension and playability.

• 6th String (Lowest): Tune to D#3. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.
• 5th String: Tune to A#3. This involves tuning up 1 semitone.
• 4th String: Tune to F#3. This involves tuning down 8 semitones. Caution: This is a significant drop. We advise considering a lighter gauge string to maintain proper tension and prevent excessive slack, as tuning down more than 4 semitones can affect playability.
• 3rd String: Tune to C#4. This involves tuning down 6 semitones. Caution: This is a significant drop. We advise considering a lighter gauge string to maintain proper tension and prevent excessive slack, as tuning down more than 4 semitones can affect playability.
• 2nd String: Tune to G#4. This involves tuning down 3 semitones.
• 1st String (Highest): Tune to D#5. This involves tuning down 1 semitone.

Always tune slowly and re-check all strings once you've made your adjustments, as changes in one string's tension can affect others. This particular tuning introduces a unique harmonic palette that rewards careful adjustment and experimentation.