A Unique Sonic Palette: Peacock Dissonant E

This is a highly distinctive and unconventional guitar tuning, famously utilized in Peacock Affect's song "Who Cares If You Exist." It deviates significantly from standard guitar tuning, creating a complex and evocative soundscape that is rich with harmonic tension and intriguing possibilities. Rather than offering easy, familiar chord shapes, this tuning encourages exploration of its unique open string voicings and resonant qualities, making it ideal for experimental or atmospheric music.

Technical Analysis: The Duality of E

The open strings are tuned to E2-B2-D3-G4#-B3-D5#. Analyzing these notes relative to the low E (E2), we observe a fascinating harmonic structure:

• String 6 (Low E): E2 (The foundational root).
• String 5 (B): B2 (A perfect 5th above E, providing a strong consonant base).
• String 4 (D): D3 (A minor 7th above E, introducing a bluesy or dominant quality).
• String 3 (G#): G4# (A major 3rd above E, providing the major quality to the chord).
• String 2 (B): B3 (Another perfect 5th above E, an octave higher than the B2).
• String 1 (High D#): D5# (A major 7th above E, adding brightness and resolution to an E Major 7th chord).

What makes this tuning truly unique is the simultaneous presence of both a D natural (minor 7th) and a D# (major 7th) within the open string voicing. This creates a striking harmonic duality – essentially an E Major 7th chord (E-G#-B-D#) with an added minor 7th (D). This specific cluster generates a characteristic dissonance or a rich, complex harmonic texture that can sound ethereal, melancholic, or even unsettling, depending on how it's voiced and played. It's a tuning designed for expressive, often dark or ambient, musical textures rather than conventional harmony.

Exploring Open Chords and Shapes

While standard chord shapes will not translate directly, this tuning offers its own set of unique voicings:

• Open String Resonance: Strummed openly, the tuning creates a full, complex E-based sound with its inherent major/minor 7th tension. This can serve as a powerful, sustained drone or a haunting, resonant chord.
• Droning & Melody: The low E string (E2) makes an excellent drone, allowing for melodic exploration or partial chord voicings on the higher strings. The repeating B notes on strings 5 and 2 also offer natural resonance points for sympathetic vibrations.
• Barre Chords: Barring across a single fret will transpose the entire unique open voicing up or down, maintaining its characteristic harmonic intervals. For example, a barre at the first fret would yield an F-based complex chord with similar major/minor 7th tensions. These barres will not necessarily resolve to common chord names but will offer consistent, moving sonic textures.
• Specific Voicings: Players will find opportunities to create unique partial chords by fretting only a few strings, exploring the interplay between the G# (major 3rd) and the D/D# (minor/major 7ths) for rich, extended harmonies.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Peacock Dissonant E

To achieve the "Peacock Dissonant E" tuning, follow these specific instructions for each string, starting from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st). Remember to tune carefully and gently.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A String): Tune to B2. Tune up 2 semitones from standard A2.
• String 4 (D String): Tune to D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G String): Tune to G4#. Tune up 1 semitones from standard G4.
• String 2 (B String): Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Tune to D5#. Tune down 1 semitones from standard E5.

Important Note: All string movements are within a safe range (less than +/- 4 semitones from standard tuning), so a change in string gauge is generally not required. However, always exercise caution and tune slowly to prevent string breakage and ensure proper intonation.

String 6: E2 (Low E)

String 5: B2

String 4: D3

String 3: G4#

String 2: B3

String 1: D5# (High D#)