The M3 Altered Dream tuning, a unique "variation of M3 tuning" as described, is an adventurous and experimental setup designed for those looking to break free from conventional guitar sounds. It invites players to explore new harmonic landscapes and unexpected voicings. This tuning's open strings create a highly resonant, almost ethereal quality, perfect for ambient soundscapes, avant-garde compositions, or simply for having fun and discovering new sonic textures. Forget traditional chord shapes; this tuning encourages a fresh approach to the fretboard, inspiring innovative fingerpicking patterns and drone-like textures.

Technical Analysis

This is an altered Guitar tuning with a remarkably wide and non-linear range across its open strings. The notes, from the lowest (6th string) to highest (1st string), are D#3, G2, B2, F#4, A#4, D4.

The most striking feature is the dramatic octave shifts between strings:

• The 5th string (G2) is actually lower in pitch than the 6th string (D#3).
• A significant jump occurs between the 4th string (B2) and the 3rd string (F#4), spanning over a Major 6th.

When played open, the full set of notes (D#, G, B, F#, A#, D) creates a rich, complex harmony that defies simple categorization. It's a dense voicing, perhaps best described as a suspended, altered, or augmented chord with additional extensions, providing a unique harmonic backdrop.

Interestingly, specific groupings of strings reveal distinct harmonic structures:

• The lower three strings (6, 5, 4: D#3, G2, B2) can be interpreted as a G minor triad (G-B-D# where D# acts as Eb), offering a darker, foundational tone.
• Conversely, the upper three strings (3, 2, 1: F#4, A#4, D4) form a clear D Augmented triad (D-F#-A#), providing a bright, expansive, and unresolved quality.

The interplay between the lower G minor and upper D augmented triads offers a captivating tension and release, making this tuning exceptionally fertile ground for creative exploration. The "M3" aspect likely refers to the presence of minor third intervals found throughout the tuning, such as the F# to A# (up a minor third) or A# to D (down a minor third).

Open String Notes

• String 6: D#3 (low E string equivalent)
• String 5: G2 (A string equivalent)
• String 4: B2 (D string equivalent)
• String 3: F#4 (G string equivalent)
• String 2: A#4 (B string equivalent)
• String 1: D4 (high E string equivalent)

How to Tune

To achieve the M3 Altered Dream tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• String 6 (Low E String Position to D#3): Tune down 1 semitones.
• String 5 (A String Position to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D String Position to B2): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 3 (G String Position to F#4): Tune down 1 semitones.
• String 2 (B String Position to A#4): Tune down 1 semitones.
• String 1 (High E String Position to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

All tuning adjustments specified are within a safe range for standard guitar strings. Therefore, a change in string gauge is not advised for this tuning.