The 'Save Your Scissors' tuning for Guitar, famously utilized by Dallas Green (City and Colour), presents a distinctive open sound. This tuning transforms the standard six-string guitar into a rich harmonic instrument, moving away from conventional voicings to explore new sonic textures.

Technical Analysis: Open String Voicing

In this tuning, the open strings are set to E2-B2-D3-G3-C4-E4. Compared to standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), the 5th string is raised from A to B (up 2 semitones), and the 2nd string is raised from B to C (up 1 semitone). The remaining strings stay at their standard pitches.

This unique configuration of notes E-B-D-G-C-E, when played open, creates a fascinating chord. The notes present are E, B, D, G, C. Arranging these notes reveals a C major 7th chord (C-E-G-B) with an added 9th (D), all over an E bass. Therefore, the open tuning effectively forms a Cmaj9/E chord. This provides a lush, melancholic, and expansive sound, characteristic of Dallas Green's style, opening up possibilities for evocative fingerpicking and strumming patterns that resonate with this specific harmonic character.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Save Your Scissors' tuning, follow these precise string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones to B. The original A2 moves to B2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C. The original B3 moves to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Please note: Tuning adjustments of +2 semitones and +1 semitone are generally safe for standard gauge strings. However, as a general precaution, tuning a string up or down by more than 4 semitones (or 4 frets) from its standard pitch may require considering a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned to E2 (no change from standard).

String 5 (A): Tuned up 2 semitones to B2.

String 4 (D): Tuned to D3 (no change from standard).

String 3 (G): Tuned to G3 (no change from standard).

String 2 (B): Tuned up 1 semitone to C4.

String 1 (High E): Tuned to E4 (no change from standard).