Verbal Analysis: David Crosby's "Glory" Tuning

This captivating tuning, famously associated with David Crosby and the Light House Band's "Glory," offers a remarkably open and resonant soundscape. It's a hallmark of Crosby's unique approach to guitar, moving far beyond standard tuning to create rich, harmonically complex textures ideal for fingerstyle, vocal accompaniment, and intricate melodic lines. The arrangement of notes fosters a sense of spaciousness and ethereal beauty, inviting exploration of non-traditional chord voicings and sympathetic drone effects.

Technical Analysis & Harmonic Landscape

The tuning for this 6-string guitar is set to Eb3 - G2 - A2 - G3 - Bb4 - D4 (low to high). This is not a simple open major or minor chord, but rather a sophisticated intervallic structure that implies several harmonic possibilities:

• The lowest three strings (Eb, G, A) immediately present an intriguing cluster. While Eb-G forms a Major 3rd, the addition of A creates a distinct flavor, hinting at an Eb Major with an added #11 or a C minor sound with an Eb bass.
• The notes Eb, G, and Bb across the strings form an Eb Major triad (Eb3, G2, G3, Bb4). The inclusion of D4 on the high string extends this to an Ebmaj7 chord, providing a lush, consonant foundation that is readily available as an open chord.
• The presence of A2 (string 4) introduces an element of tension or suspension against the Ebmaj7, particularly if interpreted as an Ebmaj7(#11). Alternatively, with D as a potential root (D4, A2, G2, Eb3, Bb4), it touches upon a D Phrygian mode sound (D-Eb-F-G-A-Bb-C), offering a more melancholic or exotic tonality.
• The repeated Gs (G2, G3) act as natural drones, enhancing the resonance and sustain of open voicings. The A2 provides a distinct color, creating interesting frictions and resolutions.
• This tuning allows for easy access to open Ebmaj7 shapes and rich D minor or D sus voicings. Barre chords and partial fingerings can quickly unlock further complex harmonies based around these tonal centers.

Overall, "Crosby's Glory" tuning is a masterclass in harmonic invention, offering a canvas for intricate arpeggios, shimmering open chords, and deeply expressive melodic interplay. It encourages players to think beyond conventional chord shapes and explore the unique resonance of the open strings.

Tuning Notes Overview

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned to D#3 (Eb3)
• String 5 (A): Tuned to G2
• String 4 (D): Tuned to A2
• String 3 (G): Tuned to G3
• String 2 (B): Tuned to A#4 (Bb4)
• String 1 (High E): Tuned to D4

How to Tune Your Guitar

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to reach D#3 (Eb3).
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to reach G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to reach A2. Caution: This is a significant drop. For changes exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), consider using a different string gauge to avoid damage or instability.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone to reach A#4 (Bb4).
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D4.