Verbal Analysis: The Murky Augmented Tone

This tuning, aptly named "Murky Augmented D", delivers a distinctively rich and suspenseful sonic landscape. As described, it truly "enacts a murky orange tone," evoking deep, resonant textures with an undercurrent of tension. The open strings present a complex harmony that avoids common major or minor triads, leaning instead towards augmented and suspended qualities. This makes it ideal for atmospheric, experimental, or heavier genres where a sense of unease or unique harmonic color is desired. It's a tuning that encourages exploration beyond traditional chord shapes, opening doors to intriguing voicings and drones.

Technical Analysis: E A D F# A# D

The open notes of this tuning are E2, A2, D3, F#4, A#4, D4, from the lowest to highest string. Let's break down the intervals and their implications:

• Strings 6, 5, 4 (E2, A2, D3): These form a stack of perfect fourths (E-A, A-D), creating a wide, open, and resonant bass foundation. This section alone hints at an Esus4 chord if a B were present, or a simple power chord foundation.
• Strings 4, 3, 2 (D3, F#4, A#4): This is where the "augmented" character truly emerges. D to F# is a Major Third, and F# to A# is also a Major Third. This sequence forms a D Augmented triad (D F# A#), which is inherently dissonant and creates a strong sense of unresolved tension.
• Strings 3, 2, 1 (F#4, A#4, D4): These notes form an F# Augmented triad (F# A# D), reinforcing the augmented quality across the higher strings. The D4 on the first string is an octave above the D3 on the fourth string, providing a strong octaval reinforcement of the D note within the augmented structure.

Overall, the open tuning could be interpreted as an E suspended harmony with a prominent F# augmented triad (F# A# D) superimposed. This combination creates a rich, ambiguous, and slightly unsettling sound that is far from conventional.

Open Chords and Reachable Voicings:

• The E-A-D Foundation: Strumming the lowest three strings (E2-A2-D3) yields a robust, open sound, perfect for drone work or as a base for suspended harmonies.
• Augmented Harmony: The top three strings (F#4-A#4-D4) or strings 4-3-2 (D3-F#4-A#4) can be strummed as an open F# Augmented or D Augmented chord respectively, offering immediate access to this distinct, tension-filled sound.
• Extended Voicings: The unique intervals allow for interesting voicings with minimal finger movement. Barre chords, particularly across strings 4-3-2 or 3-2-1, would easily carry the augmented quality up and down the fretboard. Exploring intervals on the lower strings (E-A-D) against the augmented top cluster will yield complex, modern harmonies. Power chords on the lower strings will sound very full due to the perfect fourths.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Murky Augmented D" tuning, follow these precise adjustments from standard E Standard tuning (E A D G B E):

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone. It moves from G4 to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone. It moves from B4 to A#4.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. It moves from E5 to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: For tunings that involve string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to maintain optimal playability and string tension, and to prevent potential damage to your guitar. This particular tuning involves minor adjustments within a safe range for standard gauges.

String 6: E2
String 5: A2
String 4: D3
String 3: F#4
String 2: A#4
String 1: D4