The 'Owly' tuning, drawing inspiration from the band Owls as indicated by the provided Ultimate-Guitar link, offers a distinct departure from standard guitar tuning. It's classified as an altered tuning for a 6-string guitar, designed to unlock unique sonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This tuning maintains the lowest E (6th string), the A (5th string), and the highest E (1st string) at their standard pitches. The significant alteration occurs in the three middle strings: the 4th string is tuned down one semitone from D to C#, the 3rd string from G to F#, and the 2nd string from B to A#. The resulting open string notes are E2 A2 C#4 F#4 A#4 E4.

Technically, the open string combination does not form a common, easily recognizable major or minor chord. From the lowest E, the intervals include a perfect 4th (A), major 6th (C#), major 9th (F#), and an augmented 4th/tritone (A#), making it a complex and somewhat dissonant cluster (E add9 add11(sus4) add6 #4). This implies that the tuning is likely not intended for broad, open strumming of conventional chords, but rather for creating specific, textured voicings, intricate riffs, and melodic lines. The parallel semitone drops on the D, G, and B strings create new intervallic relationships that can be exploited for unique fingerings and harmonic colors.

Verbal Analysis & Usability

Verbally, 'Owly' tuning can be described as a moody, angular, or even slightly unsettling soundscape that encourages sonic exploration beyond the familiar. The standard low E and A provide a grounding foundation, allowing for traditional bass lines or power chords on the lowest strings, while the altered middle strings introduce tension and brightness. This blend is ideal for music seeking an introspective, experimental, or indie rock aesthetic. Players will find that standard chord shapes require re-learning, but this often leads to the discovery of fresh, unexpected voicings and melodic possibilities. It's a tuning that rewards experimentation and can lend itself well to fingerstyle playing or intricate pickings that highlight the unique relationships between the strings.

How to Tune

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone. This string will now be C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone. This string will now be F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone. This string will now be A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E4.

Note on String Gauge: All string movements are minimal (0 to -1 semitones), meaning this tuning is well within the safe tension range for standard guitar strings. No special string gauges are typically required.