Tuning Overview: disney69

The "disney69" tuning is a unique and harmonically rich alternate tuning, as described by its users (such as Dove Fleetwood of disney69, Formlessness, and Liberty Van Zandt) as suitable for twinkly emo, midwest emo, and skramz genres. This tuning moves significantly away from standard EADGBe, offering a distinct sonic palette characterized by open, resonant voicings and the potential for both lush harmonies and subtle dissonances.

Verbal Analysis:

At first glance, this tuning, D#3 G#3 D#4 G3 C4 D#5, presents an unconventional and highly expressive harmonic landscape. The open strum yields a complex and evocative sound. Considering the notes in terms of Eb (D#) as a potential root, we have Eb, Ab, Eb, G, C, Eb. This voicing can be interpreted as an Ebmaj6(add4) or an Ebmaj11 (without a 5th), creating a bright yet slightly ambiguous and open quality. Alternatively, focusing on the notes C, Eb, G, Ab, it forms a C minor chord with an added flat 6th (Ab), providing a melancholic but colorful foundation often found in emo genres.

A distinctive feature of this tuning is the presence of both G# (Ab) and G natural on different strings (5th and 3rd respectively). When played simultaneously, these notes create a subtle, characteristic half-step dissonance that is a hallmark of twinkly emo and skramz. The wide intervals between the lower strings (Perfect 4th from D#3 to G#3, Perfect 5th from G#3 to D#4) contribute to a broad, open sound, while the re-entrant nature of the 3rd string (G3, lower than the 4th string D#4) allows for interesting melodic inversions and chord voicings. The upper strings (Perfect 4th from G3 to C4, Compound Minor 3rd from C4 to D#5) facilitate both approachable melodic lines and close voicings. This tuning lends itself beautifully to arpeggiated figures, open-string drones, and intricate, shimmering textures.

Technical Analysis:

• Tuning Notes (Low to High): D#3, G#3, D#4, G3, C4, D#5
• Root Note: The lowest note is D#3 (Eb3), which often acts as a foundational tonal center.
• Key Intervals (from lower string to higher string):
  • 6th (D#3) to 5th (G#3): Perfect 4th (4 semitones)
  • 5th (G#3) to 4th (D#4): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
  • 4th (D#4) to 3rd (G3): The 3rd string is lower than the 4th string by a Major 6th (8 semitones lower), creating a re-entrant interval.
  • 3rd (G3) to 2nd (C4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • 2nd (C4) to 1st (D#5): Compound Minor 3rd (Minor 3rd + Octave, 15 semitones)
• Open Chord Voicings:
  • The open strum creates a unique six-note chord (D# G# D# G C D#), which can be interpreted as an Ebmaj6(add4) or a C minor with an added b6 (Ab).
  • The top three strings (G3 C4 D#5) form a C minor triad in second inversion (G-C-Eb), providing an immediately usable harmonic cluster.
  • The bottom three strings (D#3 G#3 D#4) create a strong Eb (or D#) chord fragment with a prominent Perfect 4th (Ab/G#), suitable for power chords or droning.
  • Barring across a single fret will produce a variety of unexpected and potentially dissonant, yet melodically rich, chord shapes due to the unique interval structure.
• Implications: This tuning deviates significantly from standard, demanding new fretboard navigation and offering a fresh sonic canvas for intricate melodic and harmonic exploration.

Detailed String Analysis

• String 6 (Low E Equivalent): Tuned to D#3 (Eb3). This is the lowest and foundational note of the tuning, providing a deep bass presence.
• String 5 (A Equivalent): Tuned to G#3 (Ab3). Positioned a perfect fourth above the 6th string, it adds depth and a nuanced harmonic color, often leaning towards a minor or suspended quality.
• String 4 (D Equivalent): Tuned to D#4 (Eb4). An octave above the 6th string, this note provides resonance and reinforces the tonal center. It is a perfect fifth above the 5th string.
• String 3 (G Equivalent): Tuned to G3. Notably, this string is a major sixth below the 4th string (D#4), creating a re-entrant tuning effect that allows for unique voicings and melodic inversions.
• String 2 (B Equivalent): Tuned to C4. A perfect fourth above the 3rd string, it contributes to a C minor triad when combined with strings 3 and 1, creating a familiar yet fresh harmonic cluster.
• String 1 (High e Equivalent): Tuned to D#5 (Eb5). A minor third above the 2nd string, this note completes the upper harmonic structure and echoes the lowest D#3 at a higher octave, adding brilliance and clarity.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "disney69" tuning, adjust each string from standard EADGBe tuning according to the instructions below. Please note that none of these movements exceed 4 semitones, so a change in string gauge is generally not necessary for this tuning.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3 (Eb3).
• String 5 (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3 (Ab3).
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4 (Eb4).
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5 (Eb5).