This unique tuning, popularized by fingerstyle virtuoso Andy McKee, offers a landscape rich in open, resonant tones, ideal for intricate melodic and percussive playing. It deviates significantly from standard tuning, creating new harmonic possibilities and chord voicings that are characteristic of modern acoustic fingerstyle.

Technical Analysis

• The open strings are tuned to E2-C3-D3-G3-A3-D4.
• This setup features several interesting intervals: a wide minor 6th (9 semitones) between the 6th (E) and 5th (C) strings, followed by a whole step (C to D), a perfect 4th (D to G), another whole step (G to A), and a final perfect 4th (A to D).
• The repetition of D (strings 4 and 1) along with G and A (strings 3 and 2) strongly suggests a Dsus2 tonality, providing a clear harmonic center. The C on the 5th string adds a modal or extended harmonic flavor, allowing for voicings like Cadd9 or Cmaj7sus2 when combined with other open strings.
• This tuning is not based on a simple open major or minor chord but provides a flexible framework for constructing suspended chords and complex voicings with minimal effort, making it highly suitable for melodic arpeggios and drone notes.

Chords and Playability

The open strings themselves don't form a standard chord, but they provide a versatile foundation. With D notes on the 4th and 1st strings, and A on the 2nd string, a beautiful Dsus2 chord is instantly available by strumming strings 1, 2, and 4. Including the G on the 3rd string further enhances this suspended sound. The C on the 5th string offers a rich bass note for various modal explorations or can create extended chords like Cadd9 or even a Cmaj7sus2 with the E string. Many common fingerstyle patterns become easily accessible, allowing for fluid transitions between melodic lines and harmonic textures.

How to Tune

To achieve this "Andy McKee" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E to E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A to C3): Tune up 3 semitones. (Caution: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant increase in tension. While generally acceptable, consider a lighter gauge string if you plan to use this tuning frequently or for extended periods.)
• 4th String (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 1st String (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

String 6: E2
String 5: C3
String 4: D3
String 3: G3
String 2: A3
String 1: D4