Verbal Analysis

This intriguing tuning, affectionately named "Lontalius Dreamscape," emerges from a creative exploration inspired by the song "sleep through ur alarms" by Lontalius. The creator initially mistook a particular chord shape (2-2-0-2-2-0) in standard tuning for the song's foundation and, upon discovering its unique sound, decided to build an entire tuning around this experimental idea. The result is a highly atmospheric and somewhat unconventional open tuning, perfect for songwriters looking to evoke dreamlike states, lush soundscapes, or a distinctive, suspended harmonic texture. It invites a departure from traditional chord voicings and encourages melodic exploration that leans into its inherent complexities.

Technical Analysis

The "Lontalius Dreamscape" tuning sets the open strings to F#3-B2-D3-A3-C#5-E4, from the lowest to the highest string.

• When strummed open, this tuning forms a rich and complex chord. If we consider B2 (5th string) as the root, the notes present are B, D, F#, A, C#, E. This can be technically described as a B minor 7 chord with an added perfect 4th (E) and a major 9th (C#), resulting in a Bmin7(add4, add9) voicing.
• Alternatively, interpreting F#3 (6th string) as the root, the open strings provide F#, B, D, A, C#, E. This outlines an F# minor 7 chord (F# A C# E) with an added perfect 4th (B) and a minor 6th (D). Both interpretations highlight the tuning's inherent melodic richness and harmonic depth, offering a suspended, ethereal quality.
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • The open tuning itself is a vibrant chord, ideal for drone-like passages or arpeggiated figures that emphasize its unique harmonic character.
  • The presence of a B minor 7 framework (B-D-F#-A on strings 5, 4, 6, 3 respectively, though not in order) suggests that minor chords and scales related to B minor will find a natural resonance and ease of play.
  • Barring across any single fret will produce interesting, complex voicings that retain the tuning's unique intervals. For example, a single-fret bar will generate variations of the open Bmin7(add4, add9) or F#min7(add4, add6) quality.
  • The close proximity of certain intervals (e.g., D3-A3 on strings 4 and 3, C#5-E4 on strings 2 and 1) provides opportunities for two-note melodic phrases and dissonant harmonies that can resolve beautifully.
• This tuning encourages experimental fingerings and a departure from standard chord shapes, making it a fertile ground for discovering new musical ideas and textures.

Tuning Notes

• String 6 (Low E): Tunes to F#3
• String 5 (A): Tunes to B2
• String 4 (D): Tunes to D3
• String 3 (G): Tunes to A3
• String 2 (B): Tunes to C#5
• String 1 (High E): Tunes to E4

How to Tune to Lontalius Dreamscape

To achieve the "Lontalius Dreamscape" tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e):

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones from E3 to F#3. (Tune up 2 semitones)
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2. (Tune up 2 semitones)
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3. (Keep as is; no change (0 semitones))
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3. (Tune up 2 semitones)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 2 semitones from B4 to C#5. (Tune up 2 semitones)
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E4. (Keep as is; no change (0 semitones))

All string movements are within a 2-semitone range, which is generally safe for standard string gauges. No special string gauge is advised for this tuning.