The Prahlow Fifths tuning is an adaptation inspired by Andrew Prahlow's work for Timber Hearth, diverging from an open Bb tuning to focus on a unique arrangement of perfect fifths. This creates a distinctively spacier and suspended sonic landscape, as described in its origin.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to D#3, F2, C3, G3, A#4, D#5 (from low E to high E string positions). Analysing the intervals, we find a prominent use of perfect fifths that contribute significantly to its ethereal quality:

• Strings 5 and 4 (F2 to C3) form a perfect fifth.
• Strings 2 and 1 (A#4 to D#5) also form a perfect fifth.

Beyond the perfect fifths, the full set of notes across the open strings are D#, F, C, G, A#, D#. When ordered and considering enharmonics (A# as Bb, D# as Eb), we have F, G, Bb, C, Eb. This combination hints at a suspended, possibly minor, tonality without committing to a strong major or minor triad, aligning perfectly with the intended 'spacier, suspended sound.'

While not an open chord in the traditional major or minor sense, the inherent perfect fifths make it easy to craft compelling drone-based pieces and open, ringing chords that lean into suspended or add-note sonorities. For example, barring across strings 5, 4, and 3 (F2, C3, G3) provides an Fsus2, while incorporating string 6 (D#3, or Eb3) adds an Eb. This tuning is ideal for ambient music, soundscaping, or compositions requiring a non-standard harmonic palette, encouraging exploration beyond conventional chord shapes.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Prahlow Fifths tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), follow these precise adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitones (from standard E2) to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones (from standard A2) to F2. Caution is advised for this significant drop; a heavier gauge string may be beneficial to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones (from standard D3) to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitones (from standard B3) to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitones (from standard E4) to D#5.

String 6: D#3

String 5: F2

String 4: C3

String 3: G3

String 2: A#4

String 1: D#5