Tuning Analysis: Never meant Owen

This unique tuning, aptly named "Never meant Owen," is specifically provided for the acoustic version of the song "Never Meant" by Owen. It transforms a standard guitar into a soundscape that is both deep and melancholic. With all strings tuned down from their standard EADGBe positions, it results in a noticeably slacker string tension, contributing to a richer, more resonant, and slightly looser feel that perfectly suits introspective and intricate playing styles.

Verbal Observations:

The open strings of this tuning (D#3, G2, A#3, D#4, A#4, D4) coalesce to form a sophisticated and evocative harmony. When analyzed, these notes construct an Eb minor (major 7th) chord (enharmonically D# minor (major 7th)). This chord, comprising a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and a distinctive major seventh, lends itself to a lush, contemplative, and slightly wistful sound. The strategic repetition of D# and A# notes across different octaves provides strong harmonic anchors and a powerful, almost drone-like resonance that underpins the entire tuning. This specific voicing is ideal for intricate fingerstyle patterns, arpeggiated passages, and atmospheric playing where the open strings contribute significantly to the harmonic texture. Due to its substantial departure from standard tuning, traditional chord shapes will not directly apply, encouraging players to explore new fingerings and voicings that leverage the unique open string relationships and the tuning's inherent harmonic character.

Technical Observations:

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Root Note: D# (Eb)
• Open String Voicing: From the lowest to highest string, the notes are: D# (root), G (minor 3rd), A# (perfect 5th), D# (octave), A# (octave), D (major 7th relative to Eb).
• Implied Chord: The open tuning clearly outlines an Eb minor (major 7th) chord, a rich and introspective harmony that sets the mood for the piece.
• Interval Structure: The intervals between adjacent strings are significantly altered from standard tuning. For example, the interval between the 6th (D#) and 5th (G) strings is a minor third (3 semitones), and between the 5th (G) and 4th (A#) strings is an augmented second (3 semitones, enharmonically a minor third). This unique intervalic arrangement creates the tuning's distinct harmonic landscape.

How to Tune:

To set your guitar to the 'Never meant Owen' tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D# (Eb).
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A# (Bb). Please note: When tuning down 4 semitones or more, string tension is significantly reduced. For optimal performance, intonation stability, and to avoid potential string floppiness, using a heavier gauge string set might be advisable if this tuning is used frequently.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D# (Eb). Please note: When tuning down 4 semitones or more, string tension is significantly reduced. For optimal performance, intonation stability, and to avoid potential string floppiness, using a heavier gauge string set might be advisable if this tuning is used frequently.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A# (Bb).
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D.

Open String Notes:

Here are the open notes for each string in the 'Never meant Owen' tuning, from thickest (6th) to thinnest (1st):

• 6th String: D#3
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: A#3
• 3rd String: D#4
• 2nd String: A#4
• 1st String: D4