The "Open Wounded" tuning presents a truly unique and evocative soundscape for the guitar. Designed specifically for the song of the same name, it immediately sets a distinct mood, moving far beyond standard guitar voicings.

Verbal Analysis:

This tuning creates an open chord that is rich, complex, and somewhat melancholic or introspective. The most striking feature is the dramatic drop of the high E string to B, creating a unison with the 2nd string. This unison 'B' provides a ringing, almost bell-like quality, adding depth and resonance to the higher register. The arrangement of the lower strings, with the 5th string (A2) actually being lower in pitch than the 6th string (F#3), is highly unusual and contributes to a dense, almost droning quality that can feel both expansive and unsettling. The overall impression is one of harmonic tension and release, perfect for conveying deep emotional narratives.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned as follows, from thickest to thinnest, with their absolute pitch noted:

• 6th String: F#3
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: B3

When strummed open, these notes form a highly extended and nuanced chord. Arranging the pitches from lowest to highest, we get: A2, D3, F#3, G3, B3, B3. Interpreting this with A2 as the fundamental, the tuning provides the intervals of a Perfect 4th (D), a Major 6th (F#), a Minor 7th (G), and a Major 9th (B), with the B being doubled. This configuration yields a complex A minor 7 chord with added 9th, 11th (D), and a Major 13th (F#) — a voicing more commonly found in jazz or contemporary classical music. The co-existence of F# and G can create intriguing harmonic friction or resolution depending on the melodic context.

Several interesting harmonic clusters emerge within this tuning:

• Upper Register Unison: The identical B3 notes on the 1st and 2nd strings are a prominent feature, creating a natural chorus effect and adding significant sustain and brilliance to the upper register. This makes melodic lines or arpeggios on these strings particularly resonant.
• G Major Triad: The 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings (G3, B3, B3) together form a clear G major triad (G-B-D, with the B doubled and D implied or easily reached). This provides a bright, familiar chordal contrast to the deeper, more complex harmonies.
• Extended A Minor Harmony: Strumming strings 5 through 1 (A2, D3, G3, B3, B3) creates a rich A minor 7 sound with a prominent 9th (B) and 11th (D). This section offers a full, lush, and slightly mournful harmonic foundation.

Due to its unique intervallic structure, this tuning is not as immediately conducive to simple barre chords as traditional open tunings. However, the inherent complexity of the open chord itself provides a rich harmonic bed for composition. Experimentation with partial barres, especially on the top three or four strings, will uncover unique and expressive voicings. The unconventional nature of "Open Wounded" encourages a more creative and exploratory approach to the fretboard.

Here are the specific notes for each string in the "Open Wounded" tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String (Low E): F#3
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): B3
• 1st String (High E): B3

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Open Wounded" tuning, follow these adjustments from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E):

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3. Be mindful when increasing string tension.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. As this is a significant drop in tension, falling outside the recommended -4 to +4 semitone range, consider using a heavier gauge string if you plan to use this tuning frequently. This will help maintain optimal playability, intonation, and string life.