Verbal Analysis

This tuning, referred to as "Klidn's D# Dissonance," is a unique and intriguing setup for the Guitar, famously featured in the song "Klidn" by the Czech band Alice. It deviates significantly from standard tuning, creating a soundscape rich with tension, space, and a certain gothic or experimental atmosphere. The open strings themselves don't form a conventional consonant chord, hinting at an intended use for intricate melodic lines, specific voicings, or drone-like textures rather than straightforward open strumming. It's particularly well-suited for genres that embrace dissonance and atmosphere, such as alternative, post-rock, dark ambient, or progressive metal.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are: D#3, G#3, C#4, G#4, C4, D#5. Let's break down the intervals relative to the lowest string, D#3:

• String 6 (D#3): Root
• String 5 (G#3): Perfect 4th (P4) above D#3
• String 4 (C#4): Major 7th (M7) above D#3
• String 3 (G#4): Octave of the G#3 on String 5, also a P4 above D#3
• String 2 (C4): Major 6th (M6) above D#3
• String 1 (D#5): Octave (P8) above D#3

The most striking feature is the simultaneous presence of C#4 (on String 4) and C4 (on String 2), which creates a stark and immediate semitone dissonance when these strings are played together. This tension is central to the tuning's character.

While a full open chord strummed across all strings (D# G# C# G# C D#) is highly dissonant, it offers a rich, complex texture for atmospheric passages. However, the tuning also presents several interesting harmonic possibilities:

• D#sus4 Voicing: By muting String 2 (C4), the remaining open strings (D#3, G#3, C#4, G#4, D#5) create a D#sus4 harmony. This provides a strong, open, and resonant sound, perfect for power chord-like progressions or expansive pads.
• Low End Power: The lowest two strings, D#3 and G#3, form a perfect fourth. This setup is excellent for riffing, as moving a single finger across these strings can quickly create strong suspended or power chord voicings.
• Octave Doublings: The repetition of G# (strings 5 and 3) and D# (strings 6 and 1) provides natural octave doublings, adding thickness and resonance to single-note lines or partial chords.
• Unique Melodic Potential: The specific intervals, particularly the M7 and M6, suggest a melodic approach that can exploit the tensions and resolutions inherent in the tuning. Chords formed higher up the neck might surprise due to the unconventional open intervals.

How to Tune

To achieve "Klidn's D# Dissonance," you will adjust your strings as follows. Please note the starting notes are derived from the target tuning and specified semitone movements. It's always advisable to tune carefully and be mindful of string tension.

• String 6 (Low E string): To reach D3#, tune your E3 string down 1 semitone.
• String 5 (A string): To reach G3#, tune your A3 string down 1 semitone.
• String 4 (D string): To reach C4#, tune your D4 string down 1 semitone.
• String 3 (G string): To reach G4#, tune your G4 string up 1 semitone.
• String 2 (B string): To reach C4, tune your B3 string up 1 semitone.
• String 1 (High E string): To reach D5#, tune your E5 string down 1 semitone.

Important Note on String Gauge: All tuning adjustments in this setup are within a single semitone (up or down 1 semitone). This is generally safe for standard string gauges. However, always exercise caution when tuning, especially when increasing string tension. If you plan to experiment with significantly larger tuning shifts in other tunings, consider using a different string gauge to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.