Tuning Analysis: GUIDE DOG by Quadeca

Verbal Analysis

The "GUIDE DOG" tuning, designed for Quadeca's track, is a highly distinctive and unconventional setup for the guitar. It features a remarkably wide pitch range, stretching over three octaves from the low E2 on the 6th string to the very high D5# on the 1st string. This creates an open, resonant sound with a significant spread between the lowest and highest notes. The most striking element is arguably the C4# on the 5th string, which is tuned up substantially from standard, creating a bright, almost harp-like clarity when played open.

This tuning is not geared towards conventional major or minor chord shapes, but rather seems crafted to facilitate specific melodic lines and extended harmonic voicings unique to the song. Playing standard chord shapes will be challenging, but new, unique voicings will emerge. The open strings, E2, C4#, A3, E3, B3, D5#, present a complex harmonic cluster that includes components of an Emaj7 chord (E, B, D#) with added A (11th) and C# (6th). This suggests a sophisticated and ethereal sonic palette, likely designed to achieve a shimmering, expansive sound with strong overtones and interesting dissonances or extensions.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Open Notes: E2, C4#, A3, E3, B3, D5# (from 6th to 1st string, low to high pitch).
• Interval Relationships (relative to 6th string E2):
  • 6th String (E2): Root
  • 5th String (C4#): Compound Major 6th (+2 octaves)
  • 4th String (A3): Perfect 4th (+1 octave)
  • 3rd String (E3): Octave
  • 2nd String (B3): Perfect 5th (+1 octave)
  • 1st String (D5#): Compound Major 7th (+3 octaves)
• Harmonic Implications: The open strings contain the notes E, A, B, C#, D#. This combination suggests an Emaj7(#11, 6) or an E Lydian-esque quality. The significant jumps in pitch between some adjacent strings (e.g., E2 to C4#) will create very wide and open voicings. The presence of both A and D# alongside E and B offers a rich, extended harmonic landscape.
• Chord Voicings: While not immediately forming a common open chord, the tuning provides the foundation for unique voicings. The E, E, B suggest an E power chord base, extended by the A, C#, and D#. It could easily facilitate suspended chords (with A) or jazz-influenced voicings (with C# and D#). The wide intervals will make for bell-like arpeggios.

How to Tune

Achieving the "GUIDE DOG" tuning requires careful adjustment of most strings from standard E Standard (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4). Pay close attention to the semitone movements, as some are quite significant.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5: Tune to C4#. Tune up 4 semitones. This is a significant upward adjustment; tuning up 4 semitones puts this string at the upper end of recommended tension for a standard gauge string. Exercise caution.
• String 4: Tune to A3. Tune up 7 semitones. This is a substantial upward tuning. A lighter gauge string is strongly advised to prevent breakage and maintain proper tension, as this exceeds typical safe limits for standard gauges.
• String 3: Tune to E3. Tune down 3 semitones. This is a moderate downward adjustment, but users should still exercise care to avoid excessive slack.
• String 2: Tune to B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Tune to D5#. Tune down 1 semitone. This is a minor downward adjustment.

Always use a reliable tuner and tune gradually to avoid over-tightening or snapping strings.

String 6: E2 (Low E)

String 5: C4#

String 4: A3

String 3: E3

String 2: B3

String 1: D5# (High D#)