B Dad Fad Tuning Analysis

This unique tuning, known as B Dad Fad, is described by its creator as a homemade blend for the band Clockwork Jenny, mixing elements of Standard seven, Drop D, and Drop C tunings. It's specifically designed for a 7-String Guitar, suggesting a sound palette geared towards heavy, expansive, and potentially complex harmonic textures. The 'Dad Fad' nomenclature itself hints at a strong D-centric character, possibly with a darker, minor feel.

Technical Breakdown

The open strings of B Dad Fad are:

• B1 (7th String - Low B)
• D2 (6th String)
• A2 (5th String)
• D3 (4th String)
• F3 (3rd String)
• A3 (2nd String)
• D4 (1st String - High D)

When all open strings are strummed, the resulting chord is a B Half-Diminished Seventh (B-D-F-A), creating a dark, tension-filled, and sophisticated harmonic foundation. However, the tuning also prominently features a D Minor triad (D-F-A) with multiple octave doublings (D2, D3, D4 and A2, A3). This makes D minor-based power chords, riffs, and melodies exceptionally resonant and easy to play by simply muting the low B string. The consistent interval of a perfect fifth between the 6th (D) and 5th (A) strings, and the 4th (D) and 3rd (F) strings being a minor third, opens up opportunities for both powerful low-end riffs and melodic voicings. This tuning offers a versatile landscape for both driving, heavy riffs and intricate, dissonant arpeggios.

How to Tune

To achieve the B Dad Fad tuning, typically starting from a standard 7-string tuning (B E A D G B E, low to high), perform the following adjustments:

• String 7 (Low B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is B1.
• String 6 (E to D): Tune down 2 semitones. The target note is D2. This is a moderate drop, generally safe for standard gauge strings.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is D3.
• String 3 (G to F): Tune down 2 semitones. The target note is F3. This is a moderate drop, generally safe for standard gauge strings.
• String 2 (B to A): Tune down 2 semitones. The target note is A3. This is a moderate drop, generally safe for standard gauge strings.
• String 1 (High E to D): Tune down 2 semitones. The target note is D4. This is a moderate drop, generally safe for standard gauge strings.

All string movements are within 4 semitones, so a standard gauge string set should comfortably accommodate this tuning. However, tuning multiple strings down will reduce overall string tension, which can affect playability and intonation, especially for players who prefer a tighter feel or aggressive playing styles.

The tuning for each string is as follows:

• String 7: Tuned to B1.
• String 6: Tuned to D2.
• String 5: Tuned to A2.
• String 4: Tuned to D3.
• String 3: Tuned to F3.
• String 2: Tuned to A3.
• String 1: Tuned to D4.