This unique guitar tuning, named "D G C G A D" and inspired by Kaki King's work titled "No True Masterpiece Will Ever Be Complete", offers a rich sonic palette ideal for fingerstyle, atmospheric compositions, and exploring complex harmonic textures. It deviates significantly from standard EADGBe tuning, creating a distinct and expressive soundscape.

Technically, the open string notes are D♯3 G2 C3 G3 A♯4 D4. This tuning primarily involves dropping several strings, resulting in a lower overall register and a unique tonal character. The arrangement of notes, particularly the presence of two G strings an octave apart and the strategic placement of sharps, contributes to its experimental nature.

Harmonic Analysis and Chordal Opportunities:

• Open Chord Voicing: When strummed open, this tuning strikingly reveals a sophisticated C minor 9 chord in its second inversion (Cm9/Eb). The notes D♯ (enharmonically Eb), G, C, G, A♯ (enharmonically Bb), and D combine to form C (root), Eb (minor 3rd), G (perfect 5th), Bb (minor 7th), and D (major 9th), with Eb acting as the lowest bass note. This provides a wonderfully complex, rich, and melancholic harmonic foundation, perfect for introspective and textured compositions.
• Drone Possibilities: The open G strings (G2 and G3) offer excellent drone potential, creating a resonant and sustained backdrop against which melodic lines can be played, adding depth and atmosphere.
• Power Chords and Low Register: Given the dropped nature of the tuning, power chords on the lower strings (D♯, G, C) become easily accessible and incredibly powerful, delivering a deep, guttural sound that can add significant weight to your playing.
• Figured Harmony & Extensions: The intervallic relationships between the strings, such as the two Gs, and the D♯ and D (separated by an octave but a semitone difference on the 6th and 1st strings respectively), invite creative fingerings for arpeggios, interwoven melodies, and exploring extended harmonies beyond simple triads. This tuning is particularly well-suited for a progressive fingerstyle approach.

This tuning encourages exploration and a departure from conventional fretboard navigation, rewarding players with unique voicings and rich textures true to the innovative spirit of artists like Kaki King.

This section details the precise tuning for each string of your guitar, ensuring you achieve the unique sound of this Kaki King-inspired tuning.

Open String Notes:

String 6 (Lowest E String): D♯3

String 5 (A String): G2

String 4 (D String): C3

String 3 (G String): G3

String 2 (B String): A♯4

String 1 (Highest E String): D4

How to Tune (Starting from Standard EADGBe):

• String 6 (Low E to D♯3): Tune down 1 semitone. (Movement: -1 semitone)
• String 5 (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 4 (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 3 (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). (Movement: 0 semitones)
• String 2 (B to A♯4): Tune down 1 semitone. (Movement: -1 semitone)
• String 1 (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones. (Movement: -2 semitones)

Most string movements in this tuning involve tuning down by 1 or 2 semitones. These are relatively minor adjustments and are generally safe for standard gauge strings. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different string gauge is typically advised, but this tuning stays well within safe limits for most standard guitar setups.