Verbal Analysis:

In a forgone time, amidst an empty space, there was an abstract notion of sound. A noise so dissonant, it was won't to be heard. The sound was of a bygone era, primordial essence. Played open, it sounds like "Edgar". This unique tuning lives up to its enigmatic description, creating a rich, complex sound that can be both dissonant and beautiful. While the open strum offers a full, layered sonic texture, the tuning truly shines when exploring diads and selective voicings, allowing for nuanced harmonic exploration.

Technical Analysis:

This intriguing tuning is set to E2 A2 D#4 G#4 B3 D#5 from the lowest string to the highest. Upon closer inspection, the open strings form a complex harmonic structure. The lowest strings (E2, A2) provide a stable foundation, while the subsequent D#4, G#4, B3, and D#5 introduce significant harmonic color and tension.

Strummed open, the tuning primarily functions as an Emaj7add4 chord (E G# B D# with an added A), a sophisticated voicing that creates a lush and somewhat mysterious atmosphere. This makes it particularly well-suited for ambient soundscapes, progressive rock, or introspective fingerstyle pieces.

Key observations and potential chords within reach due to the tuning's unique shape include:

• The open tuning directly presents an E Major Triad (E G# B) using strings 6, 3, and 2, which can be emphasized by selective strumming.
• Interestingly, the top three strings (G#4 B3 D#5) form a clear G# minor triad, providing a melancholic counterpoint within the broader E major tonality, hinting at modal possibilities.
• The presence of two D# notes an octave apart (D#4 and D#5) alongside the E major chord tones emphasizes the Major 7th, adding a characteristic tension and release to the open sound.
• The interval between the A string (A2) and the D# string (D#4) is an augmented fourth (tritone), a classically dissonant yet highly expressive interval that contributes to the 'abstract' and 'primordial' quality described in the tuning's origin.
• Numerous intriguing diads are readily available across the strings, such as perfect fourths (E-A, D#-G#), minor thirds (G#-B), and major thirds (B-D#), offering a rich palette for melodic and harmonic experimentation.

This tuning invites players to explore unconventional harmonies and voicings, making it an excellent choice for those seeking to break away from standard chord shapes and discover new sonic territories.

Tuning Notes:

The notes for Edgar's Enigma Tuning, from the lowest string (6th) to the highest (1st), are:

• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D#4
• String 3: G#4
• String 2: B3
• String 1: D#5

How to Tune:

To achieve Edgar's Enigma Tuning, follow these precise steps from your standard EADGBe tuning (or approximate starting points for each string):

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 1 semitone. Move the string up 1 semitone from D to D#. The target note is D#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 1 semitone. Move the string up 1 semitone from G to G#. The target note is G#4.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone. Move the string down 1 semitone from E to D#. The target note is D#5.

Note on String Gauge: All string movements are within 1 semitone. This is a very minor adjustment and is generally safe for guitars equipped with standard string gauges. Always tune carefully and listen to your strings to avoid damage.