Tuning Analysis: Angels and Daemons Tuning

This unique guitar tuning, named "Angels and Daemons" and notably used by Motorpsycho for tracks like "Sinful Wind-Borne" and "Hey Jane," offers a remarkably rich and ethereal soundscape.

Verbal Analysis:

The open strings resonate with a bright, shimmering quality, instantly evoking a sense of grandeur and introspection. The tuning leans heavily into major seventh intervals, creating a sophisticated and somewhat melancholic harmony that is both complex and surprisingly accessible. It's an atmospheric tuning, perfect for expansive soundscapes, intricate melodic lines, or creating a dense, 'wall of sound' effect with open chords. The higher octaves on several strings contribute to a brilliant, almost crystalline top end, making it stand out from more common open tunings.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning's open notes are E2 - B2 - D4# - G4# - B3 - D5#. When strummed open, these notes form a distinct E Major 7 chord (E - G# - B - D#). The arrangement of these notes across the strings is particularly interesting:

• The low E (E2) provides a solid root.
• The next string, B2, reinforces the perfect fifth.
• The D4# and G4# in the middle strings are quite high in pitch, creating a bright and resonant major seventh and major third (respectively, relative to E). This clustering of higher notes in the middle gives the tuning its characteristic sparkle.
• The B3 and D5# on the higher strings complete the Emaj7 chord, with the D5# being particularly high, adding a piercing quality.

This tuning significantly deviates from standard EADGBe, making familiar chord shapes inaccessible but opening up new harmonic possibilities. Due to its open Emaj7 structure, numerous chords within the E family (E Major, Emaj7, Emaj9, E6) will be readily available with minimal fretting. The strong root (E) and fifth (B) on the lowest strings provide an excellent foundation for melodic runs and droning parts, while the upper strings invite shimmering arpeggios and intricate harmonic extensions.

How to Tune: Angels and Daemons Tuning

To achieve the "Angels and Daemons" tuning, follow these instructions. Please note that several strings require significant pitch adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Large pitch changes (typically more than 4 semitones up or down) may require a different string gauge to maintain proper tension and avoid string breakage or damage to your guitar.

• 6th String (Low E - E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Final Note: E2.
• 5th String (A - A2): Tune up 2 semitones. Final Note: B2.
• 4th String (D - D3): Tune up 1 semitone. Final Note: D4#. To achieve D4# from standard D3, this string needs to be tuned up 13 semitones (an octave and a semitone). This significantly exceeds the recommended safe tuning range of +/- 4 semitones and strongly advises the use of a different string gauge.
• 3rd String (G - G3): Tune up 1 semitone. Final Note: G4#. To achieve G4# from standard G3, this string needs to be tuned up 13 semitones (an octave and a semitone). This significantly exceeds the recommended safe tuning range of +/- 4 semitones and strongly advises the use of a different string gauge.
• 2nd String (B - B3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Final Note: B3.
• 1st String (High E - E4): Tune down 1 semitone. Final Note: D5#. To achieve D5# from standard E4, this string needs to be tuned up 11 semitones (almost an octave). This significantly exceeds the recommended safe tuning range of +/- 4 semitones and strongly advises the use of a different string gauge.

Care should be taken when tuning, especially for strings requiring large upward adjustments, to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.