The Eleventh Dream is a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic tuning, perfect for creating atmospheric soundscapes and evocative harmonies. All strings are tuned down, lending a rich, full-bodied tone that feels expansive and introspective. The tuning invites exploration, offering a distinct departure from standard tuning, and as described by its creator, can evoke a "Coldplay-alike" feel, suggesting open, sustained chords with emotional depth. It's a tuning that encourages experimentation, whether played openly for its inherent voicings or with a capo to shift its sonic landscape. The significant drops on the 3rd and 1st strings (four semitones down) will require a lighter touch or potentially a change in string gauge for optimal playability and intonation, but these drops are also key to its unique sonic character, creating unexpected intervals and harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are: D#3 (Eb3), G#3 (Ab3), C#4 (Db4), D#4 (Eb4), A#4 (Bb4), C4. Compared to standard EADGBe, the movements are:

• 6th string: E to D# (Eb) - down 1 semitone
• 5th string: A to G# (Ab) - down 1 semitone
• 4th string: D to C# (Db) - down 1 semitone
• 3rd string: G to D# (Eb) - down 4 semitones
• 2nd string: B to A# (Bb) - down 1 semitone
• 1st string: E to C - down 4 semitones

This tuning is primarily minor key-oriented, with D#/Eb acting as a strong potential tonic or root, emphasized by its presence in two octaves (D#3/Eb3 and D#4/Eb4). The collection of open notes – C, C# (Db), D# (Eb), G# (Ab), A# (Bb) – creates a complex chord voicing. From the lowest string (D#3/Eb3), the intervals form an Ebmaj6add4/7 or Eb6/7sus4 type of sound, providing a rich, harmonically ambiguous, and open foundation.

Open Chords & Accessible Shapes

• Full Open Chord: Playing all strings open (`D#3 G#3 C#4 D#4 A#4 C4`) yields a full, suspended-sounding chord with a minor 7th and a major 6th, perfect for creating dreamy and melancholic textures.
• Drone Potential: The paired D#/Eb notes on the 6th and 3rd strings create a strong bass and mid-range drone. Combining these with the G# (Ab, 5th string) and C# (Db, 4th string) provides a powerful Eb-minor-esque foundation.
• Easy Voicings: The interval between the 3rd string (D#/Eb) and 2nd string (A#/Bb) is a perfect 5th, offering an immediate power chord-like structure. Fret the 3rd string and the 2nd string at the same fret to maintain this perfect 5th relationship.
• Melodic Exploration: The 1st string tuned to C provides a major 6th above the 3rd string's D#/Eb, offering interesting melodic and harmonic possibilities, especially when trying to evoke an A minor (A, C, E) or C major (C, E, G) feel as the C note is readily available.
• Capo Use: As suggested by the creator, a capo on the first fret would shift all notes up one semitone (E A D E B C#), changing the entire harmonic character and opening up new tonal centers and chord possibilities.

How to Tune to The Eleventh Dream

To achieve 'The Eleventh Dream' tuning, carefully adjust each string from standard EADGBe as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3 (Eb3).
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3 (Ab3).
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4 (Db4).
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D#4 (Eb4). This is a substantial drop; consider string tension carefully.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4 (Bb4).
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones to C4. This is a substantial drop; consider string tension carefully.

Note: For the 3rd and 1st strings, which require tuning down 4 semitones, it's generally advisable to use a lighter gauge string to maintain optimal tension and prevent the strings from feeling too slack or going out of intonation easily. Tuning movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) generally advise a different gauge string for optimal performance and to prevent potential string breakage or intonation issues.

6th String (Low E): Tune down to D#3 (Eb3). This is a movement of 1 semitone down from standard E.
5th String (A): Tune down to G#3 (Ab3). This is a movement of 1 semitone down from standard A.
4th String (D): Tune down to C#4 (Db4). This is a movement of 1 semitone down from standard D.
3rd String (G): Tune down to D#4 (Eb4). This is a significant movement of 4 semitones down from standard G. Caution is advised, consider a lighter gauge string for optimal tension.
2nd String (B): Tune down to A#4 (Bb4). This is a movement of 1 semitone down from standard B.
1st String (High E): Tune down to C4. This is a significant movement of 4 semitones down from standard E. Caution is advised, consider a lighter gauge string for optimal tension.