Verbal and Technical Analysis:

The 'half step down raised' tuning presents a unique and intriguing approach to the guitar, designed to unlock specific harmonic textures and playability. As its name suggests, several strings are lowered by a half step from standard EADGBe tuning. Specifically, the 6th, 5th, 2nd, and 1st strings are each tuned down one semitone. Intriguingly, the 4th (D) and 3rd (G) strings remain at their standard pitch. This creates an open tuning where the notes from low to high are D♯3, G♯3, D3, G3, A♯4, D♯5.

On its own, without a capo, the open strings present a somewhat dissonant sound due to the immediate proximity of both D♯ (on the 6th and 1st strings) and D natural (on the 4th string). This suggests the tuning is not primarily intended for simple, open chord strumming in its raw form, but rather for more intricate voicings, drones, or melodic work where these specific intervals can be exploited. The provided `tuning_description` hints at its true power: "use with capo on 2 and get beautiful yet powerful strummings."

When a capo is placed on the 2nd fret, the entire harmonic landscape transforms dramatically. The open string notes effectively become F3 (from D♯), A3 (from G♯), E3 (from D), A3 (from G), C4 (from A♯), and F4 (from D♯). This collection of notes – F, A, C, E – perfectly outlines an F Major 7th chord (F is the root, A is the major third, C is the perfect fifth, and E is the major seventh). This wide, rich voicing of an Fmaj7 chord, with its inherent warmth and sophistication, perfectly justifies the description of "beautiful yet powerful strummings." The doubling of F and A across the strings further enhances the richness and sustain of the open chord.

Because the open tuning with the capo yields a full Fmaj7 chord, this tuning becomes an excellent foundation for playing in the key of F Major or D minor. Many common chord shapes can be adapted, and sliding this open chord shape up and down the neck will give access to other Major 7th chords. The consistent intervals between certain capoed strings (e.g., perfect 4ths between the 6th-5th, 4th-3rd, and 2nd-1st strings) can also lend themselves to specific melodic patterns and arpeggios that feel natural across the fretboard.

How to Tune:

To achieve the 'half step down raised' tuning, follow these precise adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitones to D♯3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitones to G♯3.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitones to A♯4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitones to D♯5.

Please be mindful when adjusting string tension. While this tuning primarily involves tuning down a single semitone, which is generally safe for standard string gauges, general caution is advised for more extreme changes. Tuning up 3 or 4 semitones requires care, and exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones from standard often indicates that a different gauge string would be more appropriate for the longevity of your instrument and strings.

6th String: D♯3

5th String: G♯3

4th String: D3

3rd String: G3

2nd String: A♯4

1st String: D♯5