The Astral Drift Tuning, inspired by Andrew Prahlow's captivating "Timber Hearth Theme" from the game Outer Wilds, is a truly unique and expansive guitar setup. This tuning transforms the guitar into an instrument capable of producing a vast sonic landscape, characteristic of the game's atmospheric and exploratory nature.

Technical Analysis:

• The open strings are tuned to Eb3, F2, Bb3, F3, Bb4, D4 (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string). This configuration results in an exceptionally wide intervallic spread across the instrument, offering a broad and dynamic sonic palette.
• A defining characteristic of this tuning is the F2 on the 5th string, which is pitched significantly lower than the 6th string's Eb3. This unusual inversion provides a remarkably deep, resonant bass-like drone, creating a unique harmonic foundation.
• The tuning prominently features F and Bb notes. Bb appears on the 4th (Bb3) and 2nd (Bb4) strings, while F is present on the 5th (F2) and 3rd (F3) strings. The inclusion of D4 on the 1st string allows for a strong, clear Bb Major triad (Bb, D, F) to be easily voiced.
• When strummed open, the combination of Eb, F, Bb, and D creates a rich, open, and atmospheric chord. This can be interpreted as a Bb major chord with an added Eb, suggesting a Bbmaj7#11 or Ebmaj7#11 voicing, which imparts a luminous and expansive quality ideal for creating evocative soundscapes.
• The significant intervallic leaps between adjacent strings—such as the major 7th down from the 6th to 5th string (Eb3 to F2), and the perfect 11ths up from the 5th to 4th string (F2 to Bb3) and 3rd to 2nd string (F3 to Bb4)—encourage innovative chord voicings and melodic patterns that naturally span multiple octaves.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Astral Drift Tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to Eb.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones to F. (Note: This is a significant drop. For movements of 4 semitones or more, a different string gauge may be advised to maintain optimal tension and prevent string floppiness.)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones to Bb. (Note: This is a significant drop. For movements of 4 semitones or more, a different string gauge may be advised.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to Bb.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D.

Please exercise caution when tuning, especially with significant drops or raises. Extreme changes in string tension can affect string life and overall guitar setup.

• 6th String (Eb3): The lowest string is tuned to Eb, providing a foundational minor-third flavor for the overall tuning. It's pitched unexpectedly higher than the 5th string's F, setting an unusual and intriguing harmonic texture.
• 5th String (F2): Tuned to a remarkably low F, this string provides a deep, resonant bass drone. It establishes a unique intervallic relationship with the string above it and significantly contributes to the tuning's exceptionally wide range.
• 4th String (Bb3): This Bb note offers a strong anchor for the Bb Major tonality that emerges in the open tuning. It harmonizes beautifully with the F notes and establishes a core harmonic element.
• 3rd String (F3): Tuned to F, this string reinforces the dominant or perfect fifth of the Bb chord. It contributes to a rich harmonic texture and provides an F an octave above the 5th string, adding depth.
• 2nd String (Bb4): Tuned to a high Bb, this note adds brightness and extends the Bb harmony into a higher octave. It contributes significantly to the tuning's wide sonic palette and ethereal quality, bridging a large gap from the 3rd string.
• 1st String (D4): The highest string is tuned to D, completing the Bb Major triad. It offers a clear, resonant top voice that perfectly complements the overall open chord, providing a natural resolution or melodic focus.