This unique tuning, reportedly discovered while tuning up freshly put strings, offers a rich and atmospheric soundscape. Named D# Minor 7 Suspended 4th, it presents a complex yet highly evocative harmonic palette.

Verbal Analysis

The overall feel of this tuning is deep, dark, and melancholic, with a strong sense of atmospheric drone. The lowest D# provides a powerful root, while the combination of minor third (F#), perfect fourth (G#), and minor seventh (C#) creates a sophisticated minor 7th chord with an added suspended quality. The repeated G# on the third and first strings, along with the C# on the second string, establish a shimmering, almost bell-like quality in the higher register. This tuning is ideal for creating expansive soundscapes, emotive chord progressions, or experimental rock and metal, inviting players to explore unique harmonic territories.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: D#3 - A#3 - F#4 - G#4 - C#5 - G#4 (from low E to high E string).
Analyzing the intervals relative to the lowest D# (Root):

• 6th String (D#): Root (R)
• 5th String (A#): Perfect 5th (P5)
• 4th String (F#): Minor 3rd (m3)
• 3rd String (G#): Perfect 4th (P4)
• 2nd String (C#): Minor 7th (m7)
• 1st String (G#): Perfect 4th (P4, an octave above the 3rd string G#)

This precise arrangement of notes forms a D# minor 7 chord with an added perfect 4th (D#m7add4). Strumming all open strings will yield this rich, suspended minor sound.

Chordal Possibilities:

• Open Voicing: The default open chord is a D#m7add4, providing a full, resonant foundation. This chord is inherently melancholic and expansive.
• Movable Shapes: Due to the consistent intervallic structure from the 5th string onwards (P5, m3, P4, m7, P4 relative to D#), barring strings from the 5th or 6th fret will create movable D#m7add4 voicings (e.g., barring at the 1st fret yields Em7add4, 2nd fret F#m7add4, etc.).
• Drone & Power Chords: The D# and A# on the lowest strings create a strong D#5 power chord foundation. The two G# strings (3rd and 1st) can be easily exploited for shimmering drone effects or octave melodies.
• Minor Shapes: Fingers can easily access minor chord shapes, particularly around the G# and C# in the higher strings, suggesting G#sus2 (G#-C#-D#) or G# minor voicings by adding a B.
• Suspended Sounds: The presence of the G# (4th) is central to the suspended quality. Experiment with resolving or emphasizing this note to create tension and release.

This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, inviting players to discover unique melodic and harmonic textures suitable for ambient, progressive, or heavy music styles.

Tuning Notes:

The target notes for each string are:

• 6th String (Low E): D#3
• 5th String (A): A#3
• 4th String (D): F#4
• 3rd String (G): G#4
• 2nd String (B): C#5
• 1st String (High E): G#4

How to Tune:

Please note: Extreme caution is advised when tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones. For such significant changes, consider using a different gauge string to prevent breakage or damage to your instrument.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone from standard E to D#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone from standard A to A#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 4 semitones from standard D to F#4. (Caution: Significant tension increase. Consider a lighter gauge string for sustained use at this pitch.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone from standard G to G#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones from standard B to C#5.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 8 semitones from standard E to G#4. (Caution: Significant tension decrease. Consider a heavier gauge string for optimal playability and tone at this pitch.)