As the name implies, the Dusty Reed Slider is a unique tuning specifically crafted for slide guitar. It adeptly partitions the instrument into distinct roles: the lower three strings establish a robust foundation for bass and rhythm, while the upper three strings are poised for expressive melodic work. This thoughtful division ensures a rich, full sound, perfectly suited for the nuanced articulation demanded by slide playing, allowing for deep, resonant drones under bright, singing melodies. It’s a tuning that truly sings.

Technical Analysis

The open tuning features the notes A2, B2, D3, B3, E4, G4. This sophisticated arrangement isn't a simple open major or minor chord, but rather a rich G6/9 chord (G-B-D-E-A) with A as the lowest note. This creates an immediate open resonance with ample harmonic complexity, making it highly versatile for various musical styles, including blues, folk, country, and modern atmospheric sounds.

• Lower Strings (6th, 5th, 4th - A2-B2-D3): These strings form an open cluster providing a strong, versatile rhythmic and bass foundation. The interval from A to D (strings 6 to 4) is a perfect fourth, with the B on string 5 adding a lyrical second, creating a powerful, resonant low end.
• Upper Strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st - B3-E4-G4): This arrangement directly spells out an E minor triad (B-E-G) in first inversion. This configuration is exceptionally melodic and clear, ideal for soaring lead lines and expressive slide work, providing a distinct voice for melodies.
• Overall Harmony: The combined open strings contain the notes A, B, D, E, G. This collection can be interpreted as an A minor 9 (A-B-D-E-G) or a G6/9 (G-B-D-E-A). This complex voicing ensures that even a simple strum of the open strings produces a full, inspiring sound, providing a perfect backdrop for a variety of musical explorations. The repeated B (on strings 5 and 3) adds depth and a lush, resonant quality to the overall open sound.

Open Chord & Shape Opportunities:

• E minor (E-G-B): Easily accessible on the top three strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st), where the notes B3-E4-G4 are already present, making it intuitive for melodic phrasing and chordal embellishments.
• G Major (G-B-D): Can be readily formed using strings 1, 3, and 4 (G4, B3, D3), serving as a common harmonic anchor for blues and folk progressions.
• Resonant Chords via Barring: Barring across all strings at the 5th fret, for example, will produce notes D-E-G-G-A-C. This creates rich, extended chords with a dominant G feel, highly effective for slide guitar due to the consistent intervals. Similarly, barring at different frets opens up a world of complex, resonant voicings perfectly suited for slide.

How to Tune Your Guitar (From Standard E-A-D-G-B-E to Dusty Reed Slider)

To achieve the Dusty Reed Slider tuning, adjust your guitar's strings from standard E-A-D-G-B-E as follows. Please take particular note of the recommended string gauge warnings for significant pitch changes to ensure instrument health and optimal playability.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 5 semitones from E2 to A2. Caution: Tuning up by 5 semitones is a significant increase in string tension. For optimal playability and to mitigate the risk of string breakage, consider using a lighter gauge string for this position.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 4 semitones from G3 to B3. Caution: Tuning up by 4 semitones represents a notable increase in tension. Consider using a lighter gauge string if you plan to utilize this tuning frequently.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 5 semitones from B3 to E4. Caution: Tuning up by 5 semitones is a substantial increase in string tension. For optimal playability and to mitigate the risk of string breakage, consider using a lighter gauge string for this position.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 3 semitones from E4 to G4.

String 6: A2
String 5: B2
String 4: D3
String 3: B3
String 2: E4
String 1: G4