Dug Seed Tuning: An Experimental Sonic Landscape

The "Dug Seed Tuning" is described by its creator as an experimental tuning, particularly well-suited for explorations within harmonic minor scales. This verbal description hints at a tuning designed for nuanced melodic and harmonic work rather than conventional chord progressions, inviting a creative and less orthodox approach to the instrument.

Technical Analysis: Open String Voicing

This 6-string guitar tuning sets the open strings to D3#, G2, C3, E3, A3, D4 (from thickest to thinnest string). This combination of notes creates a unique and somewhat dissonant open voicing that moves away from typical major or minor open chords, encouraging a more experimental approach to harmony and melody.

• The lowest string, D3#, is unusually high for a guitar's 6th string, which typically sits in the 2nd octave (e.g., E2, D2, C2). This higher root note, when combined with the subsequent G2, C3, and E3, creates distinctive and often wide intervallic relationships across the strings.
• Analyzing the open string notes (D#, G, C, E, A, D) reveals a complex harmonic cluster. It does not immediately resolve into a common major or minor triad. This suggests the tuning is built for specific voicings or melodic lines rather than simple open strumming.
• However, within this unique structure, certain subsets of strings offer interesting harmonic possibilities: Playing strings 4, 3, and 2 open (C3, E3, A3) yields an A minor triad (A-C-E). Strings 3, 2, and 1 (E3, A3, D4) offer E-A-D, which forms a Dsus2 voicing.
• The creator's note about it being "good with harmonic minor scales" is a strong indicator of its intended application. While the open strings don't form a direct harmonic minor chord, the unique intervals suggest that specific melodic patterns and chord voicings derived from harmonic minor scales will resonate effectively within this tuning, offering a rich palette for tension and release. For instance, the presence of D# (enharmonically Eb) alongside G and C could be explored within an Eb harmonic minor context (Eb F Gb Ab Bb C D).

Overall, "Dug Seed Tuning" is designed for players seeking to break away from conventional fretboard patterns, encouraging fresh ideas for arpeggios, drones, and modern open-voiced harmonies that capitalize on the specific intervallic relationships of its open strings.

How to Tune "Dug Seed Tuning"

This tuning requires careful adjustment. Each string is generally tuned down from its standard pitch. Pay close attention to the semitone movements for each string to reach the desired pitch.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitones to D3#. (Note: This movement refers to the semitone change. If starting from a standard E2, achieving D3# involves a significant octave jump, so ensure your tuner is set correctly for the target octave.)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

All string movements (between 1 and 3 semitones down) are within a reasonable range, so a change in string gauge is generally not required for this tuning. Always use a reliable tuner and tune carefully to avoid string breakage.

• String 6 (Low E): D3#
• String 5 (A): G2
• String 4 (D): C3
• String 3 (G): E3
• String 2 (B): A3
• String 1 (High E): D4