The "Chandelier Tuning" is an intriguing and highly customized guitar tuning, famously associated with Will Paquin's unique compositions. This setup dramatically departs from standard EADGBe, creating a soundscape that is both distinct and challenging for the conventional player.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning feels open and resonant, but not in a typical major or minor open chord sense. Instead, it presents a collection of notes that invite experimentation with arpeggios, drones, and melodic lines. The significant alterations on multiple strings suggest a specific sonic intention, likely aimed at creating textures and harmonic colors not readily available in standard tuning. Players might find themselves exploring new fingerings and chord voicings, pushing beyond familiar shapes to discover the unique harmonic possibilities that emerge from these unusual intervals. It's particularly well-suited for intricate fingerstyle pieces where individual string voices can ring out, or for creating an ethereal, almost 'suspended' feel due to the mix of perfect fourths, fifths, and wider, less common intervals.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are:
E2 - C3 - F3 - D3 - A3 - D4 (Low E to High D)

Comparing this to standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), we see substantial shifts:

• The 6th string remains E2.
• The 5th string (A) is tuned up to C3 (+3 semitones).
• The 4th string (D) is tuned up to F3 (+3 semitones).
• The 3rd string (G) is tuned down to D3 (-5 semitones).
• The 2nd string (B) is tuned down to A3 (-2 semitones).
• The 1st string (E) is tuned down to D4 (-2 semitones).

The open strings E-C-F-D-A-D do not form a conventional triad, suggesting this tuning is less about strumming open chords and more about specific voicings, drones, and melodic interplay. However, several interesting relationships emerge:

• The top three strings (D-A-D) form a powerful D5 chord (D power chord), providing a strong tonal center for melodies and riffs.
• The 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (F-D-A) present the notes of a D minor triad (D-F-A), indicating that D minor voicings would be easily accessible on these strings.
• The interval from the 5th string (C) to the 4th string (F) is a perfect fourth, mirroring the interval between the 2nd (A) and 1st (D) strings, which are also a perfect fourth.
• The low E and C create a major 6th interval, providing a wide and resonant foundation.

This tuning is ripe for exploring unusual harmonic clusters and suspended sounds. Chords like Dsus2 or Dsus4 can be easily implied or formed with minimal effort on the upper strings. Barre chords will require re-learning, but the consistent intervals on the higher strings (D-A-D, a power chord) will make some power chord shapes easily transposable across the fretboard on those specific strings. The unique arrangement encourages a fresh approach to the fretboard, making it an excellent choice for composers seeking an entirely new sonic palette.

Tuning Notes

• 6th String (Low E): E2
• 5th String (A): C3
• 4th String (D): F3
• 3rd String (G): D3
• 2nd String (B): A3
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune for "Chandelier Tuning"

To achieve the Chandelier tuning, follow these specific adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune up 3 semitones to C3. (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones requires care. Tune slowly.)
• 4th String (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3. (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones requires care. Tune slowly.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. (Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A different gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone, and to prevent string floppiness.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Always tune carefully and check string tension, especially with significant pitch changes.