Verbal Description

The "D# Open 13th" tuning offers a deeply rich and harmonically complex sound, immediately setting it apart from more conventional open tunings. When strummed open, it rings out with a full, resonant chord that evokes a sophisticated atmosphere, perfectly suited for genres like jazz, fusion, ambient, or progressive rock. The low D# (enharmonically Eb) anchors the tuning, providing a strong, foundational bass note, while the subsequent strings build a layered harmony that feels both expansive and intriguing. This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, inviting guitarists to discover unique voicings, intricate fingerstyle patterns, and atmospheric textures. The carefully chosen intervals, including the repeating G notes across different octaves, contribute to a vibrant sustain and a compelling sonic depth, making every note and chord resonate with clarity and purpose.

Technical Analysis

This tuning, explicitly defined as D# G A# D G C (or enharmonically Eb G Bb D G C), is masterfully crafted to form an Ebmaj13 chord across its open strings. This sophisticated voicing provides a strong harmonic foundation from which to build:

• String 6 (Low D#/Eb3): Functions as the root of the Ebmaj13 chord, providing a deep, grounding tone.
• String 5 (G2): The Major 3rd of Eb, establishing the major quality of the chord.
• String 4 (A#/Bb3): The Perfect 5th, completing the essential major triad.
• String 3 (D3): The Major 7th, adding a characteristic jazz-like extension to the chord.
• String 2 (G3): An octave higher Major 3rd, reinforcing the major quality and adding body to the sound.
• String 1 (C4): The Major 6th (or 13th), providing a bright, open, and final extension to the chord.

The harmonious nature of this tuning means that a simple strum of the open strings yields a rich, complex Ebmaj13 chord. This offers several creative possibilities:

• Open Chords: The primary open chord is the full Ebmaj13. By simply barring all strings at any fret, you can effortlessly transpose this complex chord to other keys (e.g., barring at the 1st fret yields Emaj13, 2nd fret for Fmaj13). This provides a versatile and consistent framework for extended harmonic exploration.
• Partial Voicings: Players can easily isolate sections of the tuning to create simpler, yet still intriguing, chords. For instance, strings 6-5-4 (D#-G-A#) form a D# Major triad, and strings 6-5-4-3 (D#-G-A#-D) form a D#maj7. The top two strings (G-C) form a perfect fourth, which is a highly adaptable interval for melodic phrases or percussive accents.
• Melodic & Arpeggiated Playing: The strategic placement of intervals, particularly the perfect fourths between strings 3-2 (D-G) and 2-1 (G-C), lends itself well to fluid arpeggios, creating an open and ringing sound. The presence of octaves and thirds across the tuning also opens up opportunities for interesting melodic lines and counterpoint.

How to Tune

To achieve this D# Open 13th tuning, you will need to detune all strings significantly from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Please use a precise tuner and exercise caution, especially with the larger downward adjustments.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3. Please note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. While often manageable with standard string gauges, a slightly heavier gauge is generally advised for optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent excessive floppiness.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. IMPORTANT: Tuning this string down 5 semitones is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Please note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. While often manageable with standard string gauges, a slightly heavier gauge is generally advised for optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent excessive floppiness.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. Please note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant drop. While often manageable with standard string gauges, a slightly heavier gauge is generally advised for optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent excessive floppiness.

String 6: D#3 (Low E string tuned down 1 semitone)

String 5: G2 (A string tuned down 2 semitones)

String 4: A#3 (D string tuned down 4 semitones)

String 3: D3 (G string tuned down 5 semitones)

String 2: G3 (B string tuned down 4 semitones)

String 1: C4 (High E string tuned down 4 semitones)