This unique tuning, famously utilized by David Crosby for iconic songs like "Guinnevere," "Deja Vu," "Tracks in the Dust," and "Song with No Words," opens up a world of ethereal and open voicings. As the original description notes, tabs for these pieces are readily available online.

Verbal Analysis

The David Crosby tuning creates a rich, resonant sound that is immediately recognizable in his work. It features a wide range of notes, from the low E string to the high D, providing a broad sonic palette. The combination of raised and lowered strings results in an open chord that is complex and harmonically dense, lending itself to intricate fingerstyle arrangements and droning soundscapes. The non-standard intervals between several strings encourage unique fingerings and often lead to suspended or extended chords naturally.

Technical Analysis (E-B-D-G-A-D)

The tuning is structured as E2-B2-D3-G3-A3-D4. Let's break down the intervals:

• 6th String (E2) to 5th String (B2): A Perfect 5th (7 semitones). This provides a strong, open bass foundation.
• 5th String (B2) to 4th String (D3): A Minor 3rd (3 semitones). This interval is crucial for the unique harmonic character.
• 4th String (D3) to 3rd String (G3): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones). A common interval found in standard tuning.
• 3rd String (G3) to 2nd String (A3): A Major 2nd (2 semitones). This tight interval creates interesting clustered sounds.
• 2nd String (A3) to 1st String (D4): A Perfect 4th (5 semitones). Another common and strong interval.

When played open, the strings produce the notes E, B, D, G, A, D. This collection of notes forms an E minor 11 chord (E-G-B-D-A) or an E minor 7 chord with an added 11th. Specifically, it can be viewed as an E (root) with a B (5th), D (b7), G (b3), A (11th), and D (b7, octave of the 4th string). This complex voicing is a hallmark of Crosby's sound.

Open Chords and Accessible Shapes

The open tuning naturally rings with an E minor 11 quality, allowing for rich, full-sounding open chords without fretting. The repetition of D on the 4th and 1st strings, combined with the B on the 5th string, creates a beautiful drone potential. Easily accessible chord shapes include:

• Open Chord: E minor 11 (E-B-D-G-A-D)
• Dsus4: By just playing the top four strings (D-G-A-D), you get a clear Dsus4 chord.
• G Major: Fret the 6th string at the 3rd fret (G), and combine with open B-D-G. Experimentation will reveal many inversions and partial chords that are easily voiced due to the open intervals.

The unique string intervals encourage a non-linear approach to the fretboard, making it ideal for experimental harmonies and intricate arpeggios that would be difficult to achieve in standard tuning. The raised 5th string (B) and lowered 2nd (A) and 1st (D) strings create a distinct melodic and harmonic landscape.

Here are the notes for the David Crosby tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune

To achieve the David Crosby tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones. Raise the pitch from A2 to B2. Please exercise caution when tuning up 2 semitones to avoid string breakage.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Stays at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones. Lower the pitch from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones. Lower the pitch from E4 to D4.

Note: String movements in this tuning are within a safe range for standard string gauges. However, always tune carefully and monitor string tension, especially when tuning up.