Tuning Analysis: Parachutes Tuning

This is an interesting and highly unconventional tuning, described as "tuning for the song parachutes by coldplay." While the exact application for the song might vary, the open string notes present a unique sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis

The 'Parachutes' tuning takes a radical departure from standard guitar tuning. It maintains the low E and A strings at their standard pitch, providing a familiar foundation. However, the D, B, and high E strings are dramatically altered. The D string is dropped significantly to a B2, and even more strikingly, the B string is tuned down a full octave to also B2, creating a powerful unison drone. This B-G-B (strings 4, 3, 2) creates an open G major chord (specifically G/B) in the middle register, offering a strong harmonic anchor. The most striking element is the 1st string, specified as D5#. This note is extremely high, over an octave above a standard high E string, implying either a specialized setup (e.g., a very light gauge string under high tension) or an intentional extreme voicing for specific melodic passages. The overall open string voicing (E2 A2 B2 G3 B2 D5#) is complex and not a simple, common chord, suggesting it is designed for particular arpeggios, melodic lines, or resonant drone effects rather than straightforward strumming.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are: E2 A2 B2 G3 B2 D5# (from low E to high E string).

• Strings 6 & 5 (E & A): Remain at standard E2 and A2.
• String 4 (D): Tuned down from D3 to B2 (a major third down, 3 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Remains at standard G3.
• String 2 (B): Tuned down a full octave from B3 to B2 (12 semitones). This creates a unison with the 4th string, amplifying the B note. This extreme drop typically necessitates a much heavier gauge string to maintain playability and avoid excessive floppiness.
• String 1 (High E): The target note is D5#. This is highly unusual as D5# is an octave and a half higher than a standard E4. If starting from a standard E4 and tuning down 1 semitone (as per the tuning instruction), the result would be D#4. Achieving the specified D5# would require a different starting string, an extremely light gauge, or very high tension.

When strummed open, the combination of E2 A2 B2 G3 B2 D5# creates a dense, complex sonority. The central B2-G3-B2 (strings 4-3-2) forms a clear G major triad (G/B). This strong G major core, combined with the low E and A, and the high D#, provides a unique harmonic palette for exploration. The repetition of B at such low octaves (B2) creates a resonant, droning quality. Due to the wide intervals and the D5# note, this tuning lends itself well to arpeggiated figures, melodic lines that leverage the open string intervals, and modern ambient textures.

Chords and Voicings

• Open G Major (G/B): The 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (B2-G3-B2) naturally form an open G major chord, specifically a G major triad with B in the bass. This is a very strong and usable voicing.
• E minor-like shapes: By barring across frets on the lower strings, one could explore E minor or E major related harmonies around the G major core, leveraging the open E and A.
• Drone Textures: The unison B2 on strings 4 and 2, along with the standard E2 and A2, provides excellent opportunities for droning, creating sustained, atmospheric soundscapes.
• Given the unique high D5# string, it is likely used for specific high melodic counterpoints or shimmering harmonics rather than as part of a full, low-register chord strum.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please note that the dramatic changes for String 2 (-12 semitones) and the unusual target for String 1 may require different string gauges than standard to achieve optimal tension and playability. As a general rule, movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down often warrant a different gauge string.

• String 6 (Low E - E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A - A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D - D3): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• String 3 (G - G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B - B3): Tune down 12 semitones to B2. This is a full octave drop and strongly advises using a much heavier gauge string.
• String 1 (High E - E4): Tune down 1 semitone to D#4. (Note on D5#: The target note for this string is listed as D5# in the tuning notes, which is an octave higher than the D#4 achieved by tuning down 1 semitone from standard E4. Achieving D5# would require a very specialized setup or different gauge string.)

The open strings for this 'Parachutes' tuning are:

• String 6: E2 (Low E)
• String 5: A2
• String 4: B2
• String 3: G3
• String 2: B2
• String 1: D5# (High E)