Today’s tuning is Open D# 6sus in the key of D# Major, although I play a chromatic melody adding notes outside of the scale. More on that below!
The string tuning is CA#D#D#G#D#, which after some research appears to be another NEW TUNING. This means the chord voicings will be unique to this particular tuning, and will turn ordinary progressions into something fresh-sounding.
Did you know?
If you’re recording a song or playing with another guitarist, you only need one player (or guitar) to be tuned to an alternate tuning to get a great sound. Combining alt tuning with standard tuning is a great way to add depth to your music.
The video below is a song called “Chrome Attic.” I wrote this piece today while experimenting and improvising in Open C# 6sus tuning.
Here are the scale notes, numbers, scale degrees and intervals I’m playing:
As you’ll hear (and see in the screenshot above), I’m playing the chromatic notes: D#, D, C#, C, B, A#, A. The notes C#, B and A are not in the D# Major scale so they are considered “add/borrowed” notes.
I was not able to complete this “chromaticism” for the Scale Degrees fretboard above, but for scale notes, numbers and intervals, I am showing all the notes I’m playing.
May these daily alt tunings continue to inspire you as you explore songwriting beyond the limitations of standard tuning. If you’d like to learn more about making alt tuning a part of your songwriting, give me a call at 888-7-GUITAR or reach out to me here.
Until next time…
~Scott Quillin
Did you know? Scott started playing guitar when he was 14 years old back in 1982. A Pittsburgh native, Scott resides in Rhode Island where he teaches guitar, bass, music and songwriting. He also records and mixes songs for local bands and artists as well as his own music. He writes and records nearly every day and has a real passion to help others hear their “inner voice” and express that in songs.
You can listen to more of Scott’s music at https://soundcloud.com/scottquillin.
