The 'Delmer' tuning is described as a custom creation for an unreleased song, suggesting it's designed with a specific harmonic or melodic purpose in mind. This unique tuning departs significantly from standard EADGBe, offering a rich and distinct sonic landscape.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning has a bright and harmonically complex character. The open strings resolve to notes of a B Major 6/add11 chord, creating a rich, open, and potentially ethereal or jazzy feel. The presence of the B root on two different octaves (B2 and B3) provides a strong foundation, while the Major 3rd (D#4) and Perfect 5th (F#3) firmly establish the B Major tonality. The added Major 6th (G#4) and Perfect 4th/11th (E4) on top of this foundation expand the harmonic possibilities, inviting lush chord voicings and melodic exploration. Its non-standard interval relationships between strings will challenge players used to traditional shapes, encouraging discovery of new patterns and voicings.

Due to its unique structure, players can explore open string chords and drones that evoke a sense of spaciousness and complexity. A full strum across the open strings will yield a resonant Bmaj6(add11) chord (B D# F# G# E), perfect for intros, atmospheric pads, or as a base for intricate fingerstyle pieces. Basic shapes that reinforce B Major (e.g., barring all strings at the 7th fret for an Emaj6(add11)) may be within reach, but the wide and irregular string intervals will require creative fingerings for most common chord forms.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the guitar into an Open B Major 6/add11 instrument. The notes from lowest to highest string are: F#3, B2, D#4, G#4, B3, E4. Let's analyze the intervals between adjacent open strings:

• String 6 (F#3) to String 5 (B2): A descending Perfect 4th. This is an unusual and wide interval for the lowest two strings, offering a deep, resonant quality.
• String 5 (B2) to String 4 (D#4): An ascending Major 10th (an octave and a Major 3rd). This is a very large jump in pitch, creating significant harmonic space.
• String 4 (D#4) to String 3 (G#4): An ascending Perfect 4th.
• String 3 (G#4) to String 2 (B3): A descending Major 6th. Another wide and interesting interval.
• String 2 (B3) to String 1 (E4): An ascending Perfect 4th.

The tuning features repeated notes across different octaves (B on strings 5 and 2), providing a layered texture. The highly varied intervals between strings mean that standard chord shapes will likely not translate, encouraging the exploration of new, custom voicings specific to this tuning.

How to Tune 'Delmer' Tuning from Standard EADGBe

To achieve the 'Delmer' tuning, adjust your guitar from standard EADGBe as follows. Pay close attention to the number of semitones each string needs to be moved.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 2 semitones to F#3.
• String 5 (A String): Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4 (D String): Tune up 1 semitone to D#4.
• String 3 (G String): Tune up 1 semitone to G#4.
• String 2 (B String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Important Note on String Gauges: For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to consider a different string gauge to maintain proper string tension and avoid potential damage to your instrument or strings. In this tuning, all individual string movements are within 2 semitones, so a standard light or medium gauge set should be suitable. However, always exercise caution when tuning up, especially if your guitar is not accustomed to higher string tension.