The "Redbird Tuning" is a highly distinctive and unconventional guitar setup, famously utilized by Kevin Devine in his song "Redbird" from the album "Bubblegum." This tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a unique sonic landscape characterized by both rich harmonies and intriguing dissonances.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, this tuning provides a powerful, droning D# root, reinforced by the low and high D# strings. The G# and A# strings suggest a D#sus4 or a robust D#5 chord. However, the F# on the 4th string introduces a minor third quality, hinting at a D# minor tonality, while the G natural on the 3rd string is the most unexpected element. This G creates a complex, almost bluesy or jazz-like tension against the D# and F#, preventing a simple open chord. The resulting open strings offer a canvas for intricate arpeggios, droning soundscapes, and unique melodic textures, perfectly suited for the emotive and layered style of Kevin Devine.

Due to its specific interval structure, this tuning excels at providing powerful open string drones. Chords such as a D#5 power chord (D#-A#-D#) are effortlessly accessible. The interplay between the F# and G notes allows for minimal fretting to achieve complex minor, suspended, or extended voicings, opening up a world of unconventional chord shapes and resonant, full-bodied sounds that would be impossible in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

The tuning consists of the notes D#3 G#3 F#4 G3 A#4 D#5, ordered from the 6th to the 1st string. Relative to the low D# root, the intervals are: Root (D#), Perfect 4th (G#), Minor 3rd (F#), Augmented 2nd / Minor 3rd (G), Perfect 5th (A#), and Octave (D#). The presence of both F# and G natural creates a half-step tension that is central to its unique character. This is an anhemitonic pentatonic-like scale fragment with an added chromatic dissonance, forming an altered open tuning that significantly reconfigures the guitar's harmonic possibilities.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 1 semitone to G#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 4 semitones to F#4. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones significantly increases string tension. For optimal playability and to prevent string breakage or neck issues, a lighter gauge string is strongly advised if you plan to use this tuning frequently. Proceed with care.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#5.

6th String: D#3

5th String: G#3

4th String: F#4

3rd String: G3

2nd String: A#4

1st String: D#5