The Maxwell Doldan Tuning: A Sonic Adventure

The Maxwell Doldan tuning presents a unique and highly resonant landscape for the adventurous guitarist. Departing significantly from standard EADGBe, this tuning creates a distinct sonic character that leans towards bright, ethereal, and harmonically rich textures. It maintains a powerful low E string, then opens into an E major-like voicing on the middle strings, culminating in unusually high pitches on the G and B strings, offering a blend of familiar and exotic possibilities.

Technical Analysis: E2-B2-E3-G4#-A4#-E4

• Root Structure: The core of this tuning is firmly rooted in E, with E2, E3, and E4 providing strong octave foundations. The B2 on the 5th string reinforces an E major or E power chord tonality (E-B-E).
• E Major Open Chord: Strings 6, 5, 4, and 3 (E2-B2-E3-G4#) naturally form an E Major chord, albeit with the 3rd (G4#) being exceptionally high in pitch, giving it a shimmering, almost bell-like quality.
• The #11 Element: The most striking feature is the A4# on the 2nd string. In the context of an E major chord, an A# functions as an augmented 4th or a #11. This creates a distinctive Lydian-like harmony when strummed open, or a bright, almost dissonant tension, inviting exploration into jazz, fusion, or experimental genres.
• High Octaves: The G4# and A4# notes are considerably higher than their counterparts in standard tuning (G3 and B3 respectively). This will lend a very bright, almost mandolin-like or harp-like quality to the higher register, making these strings particularly resonant and cutting. Players should be prepared for very significant tension on these strings.

Chordal & Playability Observations

• Open Voicings: Strumming all open strings yields an Emaj#11 chord (E-B-E-G#-A#-E), providing an instant sophisticated and open sound. This is great for drones, ambient textures, or as a starting point for Lydian melodies.
• Barre Chords: Simple barre chords will inherit the Emaj#11 voicing structure, translating to Fmaj#11 at the 1st fret, F#maj#11 at the 2nd fret, and so on. This offers a consistent harmonic color across the fretboard.
• Power Chords: The lower three strings (E2-B2-E3) are perfectly suited for powerful root-fifth-octave voicings, allowing for easy rock and metal riffing, while the higher strings can be used to add harmonic extensions or melodic flourishes.
• Melodic Opportunities: The distinct intervals and high registers of strings 3 and 2 create a unique melodic palette. Sliding into the high G4# or A4# could produce striking, almost piercing effects, perfect for lead lines that stand out.
• Considerations: The extremely high pitch of G4# and A4# means these strings will be under significant tension, far exceeding typical string tension for their standard counterparts. Guitarists should exercise extreme caution and strongly consider using very light gauge strings for the 3rd and 2nd strings to avoid potential damage to the instrument or string breakage, especially if their guitar is not specifically built for such high tension.

The Maxwell Doldan tuning is not for the faint of heart, but for those willing to explore its unique sonic potential, it promises a rewarding and distinctive musical experience.

Here are the notes for each string in the Maxwell Doldan tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String: B2
• 4th String: E3
• 3rd String: G4#
• 2nd String: A4#
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the Maxwell Doldan tuning, adjust your strings from standard EADGBe as follows. Please pay close attention to the specific semitone movements for each string. Be cautious with strings that require significant tuning adjustments, especially those exceeding +/- 4 semitones.

• 6th String (E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones. This moves your A string up to B. Target Note: B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones. This moves your D string up to E. Target Note: E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone. This moves your G string up to G#. Target Note: G4#.

  Important Note: The provided string movement data specifies tuning up 1 semitone from standard G3, which would result in G#3. However, the target tuning note is G4#. This indicates an implied additional full octave increase (12 semitones) beyond the stated 1 semitone movement. This means the string is tuned 13 semitones higher than its standard G3 pitch, representing a very significant increase in tension. Consider a lighter gauge string for this purpose.

• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone. This moves your B string down to A#. Target Note: A4#.

  Important Note: The provided string movement data specifies tuning down 1 semitone from standard B3, which would result in A#3. However, the target tuning note is A4#. This indicates an implied additional full octave increase (12 semitones) after tuning down 1 semitone. This means the string is effectively tuned 11 semitones higher than its standard B3 pitch, representing a very significant increase in tension. Consider a lighter gauge string for this purpose.

• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E4.

General Caution: When tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones, it is generally advisable to use a different gauge string to match the intended tension, prevent string breakage, and maintain optimal playability and intonation. Given the significant implied octave shifts for the 3rd (13 semitones up) and 2nd (11 semitones up) strings in this tuning, using lighter gauge strings for these particular strings is strongly recommended to prevent damage to your instrument or strings.