This unique tuning, which we've named "Open D6 Blues Tuning (B-A-D-D-A-D)", offers a deep and resonant sound particularly well-suited for acoustic blues and country music, as suggested in its original description. It provides a rich, droning quality that makes it excellent for slide guitar or fingerstyle playing, allowing for expansive, open voicings. The overall feel is one of a full, slightly dark, and soulful character, inviting a bluesy approach to melody and harmony.

Technical Analysis

The tuning sets the open strings to B1-A2-D3-D3-A3-D4. Examining these notes reveals a strong D tonality, with the A and D notes heavily featured across the middle and treble strings. Specifically, the open strings effectively form a D6 (no 3rd) chord. The combination of D (root), A (perfect 5th), and B (major 6th) creates this characteristic sound, often found in blues and folk genres. The low B1 string acts as a deep pedal tone, anchoring the sound and adding immense depth, while the doubled D3 and A3 notes provide a full, ringing quality.

Due to its construction, this tuning is highly conducive to playing movable chord shapes. A simple barre across all strings at any fret will yield a parallel D6 (no 3rd) chord transposed to that fret's root. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would produce an E6 (no 3rd) chord (E-B-E-E-B-E). This makes it very intuitive for exploring different keys while maintaining the characteristic open D6 sound. Additionally, the open D and A strings provide excellent drone possibilities, allowing for melodic exploration over a stable harmonic base. Blues turnarounds and country vamps can feel particularly natural in this setup.

How to Tune (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-E)

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard E2 to B1. This is a significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change from its standard A2, remaining at A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change from its standard D3, remaining at D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard G3 to D3. This is also a considerable drop; a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E4 to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: For strings requiring a change of 5 semitones down (String 6 and String 3), it is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string to maintain adequate tension and prevent buzzing or intonation issues. Tuning down by more than 4 semitones can leave standard strings feeling too slack.