Verbal Analysis

The "B.A.D. Dissonance Tuning" lives up to its playful name by creating a remarkably tense and open soundscape. Unlike conventional open tunings designed to produce a clear major or minor chord, this tuning leans heavily into dissonance and unique sonic textures. The open strings, B1-A2-D3-B3-A3-D4, feature an unusual arrangement of notes across octaves, predominantly using B, A, and D. This creates a sound that is far from traditionally harmonious, offering instead a landscape rich in tension, drones, and experimental possibilities. It's a tuning that challenges the ear and encourages exploration beyond standard harmonic progressions. It would be particularly well-suited for genres like avant-garde, metal, ambient, or experimental rock where unique sonic palettes are valued over conventional harmony.

Open Chords & Potential Voicings

When strummed open, the tuning does not resolve into a standard chord. The immediate impression is one of a resonant, yet dissonant, cluster of B, A, and D notes.

• The presence of B, A, and D notes across different octaves (B1, A2, D3, B3, A3, D4) can be interpreted as a highly suspended or ambiguous sonority.
• Specifically, the notes B-A-D (from the tuning name) are very prominent. The A2-D3-B3-A3 cluster in the middle strings is quite strong.
• While not a clear chord, the open strings could serve as a drone for melodic lines in D minor, A minor, or even B Phrygian/Locrian modes, though the inherent dissonance would always be a feature.
• Fretting single notes can create powerful, open-voiced chords. For example, by fretting all strings at the 2nd fret, one would get C2-B2-E3-C4-B4-E4, which is a form of Cmaj7sus2.
• This tuning might open up new fingerings for power chords or inverted intervals, allowing for rich, ringing drones beneath moving lines. It is designed to be provocative rather than comfortable.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Tuning Notes: B1-A2-D3-B3-A3-D4
• Lowest Note: B1 (6th string)
• Highest Note: D4 (1st string)
• Overall Range: The tuning spans approximately 2 octaves and a minor third (from B1 to D4).
• Intervals between open strings (from low to high):
  • 6th (B1) to 5th (A2): Major 7th (11 semitones)
  • 5th (A2) to 4th (D3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
  • 4th (D3) to 3rd (B3): Major 6th (9 semitones)
  • 3rd (B3) to 2nd (A3): Major 2nd down (or minor 7th up, 10 semitones) - This is an inverse interval, creating a distinct tension.
  • 2nd (A3) to 1st (D4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• Departure from Standard: This tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, with all but two strings (5th and 4th) being altered. The 6th string drops substantially, while the 3rd string sees a notable rise. This creates an extreme and asymmetric string tension profile.

Tuning Notes & 'How to Tune' Guide

This section details each string's final pitch and provides instructions on how to achieve this tuning from standard EADGBe.

Final Tuning Notes:

• 6th String (Low E): B1
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): B3
• 2nd String (B): A3
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe):

Please exercise caution when tuning, especially with significant pitch changes. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Pay particular attention to the 6th and 3rd strings.

• 6th String (E2): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. This is a significant drop, meaning the string will be very loose if using a standard gauge. A heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone.
• 5th String (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G3): Tune up 4 semitones to B3. This is a considerable rise and approaches the limit for standard string gauges. Exercise extreme caution to prevent string breakage, and consider a lighter gauge string if frequently using this tuning.
• 2nd String (B3): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (E4): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.