Verbal Analysis

The 'D5 Baritone (unison D)' tuning transforms your guitar into a deeply resonant and powerful instrument, perfectly suited for sounds that demand weight and gravitas. As its name suggests, this is a baritone-style tuning, plunging the guitar into very low registers. The open strings form a robust D5 power chord, making it ideal for creating thick, driving rhythms, heavy riffs, and expansive soundscapes. The 'unison D' on the 3rd and 2nd strings creates a unique, almost orchestral thickness when those strings are played, adding a distinct character to melodies and chords. Whether you're aiming for crushing distortion or clean, ambient drones, this tuning offers a rich, foundational sound that feels both massive and articulate.

Technical Analysis

This tuning, specifically designed for a Guitar, reconfigures the standard EADGBe setup to a very low A1-D2-A2-D3-D3-A3. This arrangement effectively creates an open D5 chord (composed of D and A notes) across the strings, centered around the root D. The lowest string, A1, is incredibly deep, typically found on baritone guitars, emphasizing the need for heavier gauge strings on a standard instrument to maintain tension and intonation.

The unique aspect is the unison D3 on both the 3rd and 2nd strings. This doubling of the D note adds immense sustain and a thick, chorus-like quality to any notes played on these strings. The intervals from low to high are Root (D), 5th (A), Octave (D), unison (D), 5th (A), spelling out a D-A-D-D-A pattern. This structure is reminiscent of open D or DADGAD tunings but shifted significantly lower and with the added unison. This creates a powerful harmonic foundation that is excellent for both single-note lines and full-bodied chords.

Chordal Opportunities:

• Open D5 Power Chord: Strumming all open strings yields a massive D5 power chord (A-D-A-D-D-A). This makes instant, powerful open chords readily available.
• Easy Power Chords: Similar to drop tunings, barring across the bottom few strings (6-5-4 or 5-4-3) allows for easy one-finger power chords. For example, barring at the 2nd fret on strings 6, 5, and 4 would give you an E5 power chord (B-E-B). The unison D3 also means power chords involving the 3rd and 2nd strings will have an added layer of thickness.
• Drone Potential: The open D and A notes provide excellent drone possibilities, especially with the low register. Holding open strings while playing melodies on others can create rich, sustained textures.
• Unique Melodies: The D3 unison on the middle strings offers a distinct voice for lead lines and chord voicings, adding a powerful, doubled texture without needing to play two distinct notes. This can be exploited for melodic phrases with increased impact.

Tuning Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): A1
• 5th String (A): D2
• 4th String (D): A2
• 3rd String (G): D3
• 2nd String (B): D3
• 1st String (High E): A3

How to Tune:

This tuning involves significant downward adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Due to the substantial drops in pitch for all strings, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set (e.g., baritone guitar strings) to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability, and to prevent string damage or breakage. Proceed with caution and retune gradually.

• 6th String (Low E to A1): Tune down 7 semitones. (Original E2 to A1). *Caution: Significant drop, consider heavier gauge.
• 5th String (A to D2): Tune down 7 semitones. (Original A2 to D2). *Caution: Significant drop, consider heavier gauge.
• 4th String (D to A2): Tune down 5 semitones. (Original D3 to A2). *Caution: Significant drop, consider heavier gauge.
• 3rd String (G to D3): Tune down 5 semitones. (Original G3 to D3). *Caution: Significant drop, consider heavier gauge.
• 2nd String (B to D3): Tune down 9 semitones. (Original B3 to D3). *Caution: Extreme drop, consider heavier gauge.
• 1st String (High E to A3): Tune down 7 semitones. (Original E4 to A3). *Caution: Significant drop, consider heavier gauge.