Tuning Overview: BEDGAD

The BEDGAD tuning is an intriguing fusion, explicitly designed by merging elements from Adam Jones' 'Parabola' tuning (BEDGBE) and the ever-popular DADGAD. This creates a versatile landscape that promises both the depth and power for heavy, drop-tuned riffs and the open, resonant qualities often found in acoustic and folk music. It's a dark, yet articulate tuning that encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, offering a unique sonic palette.

Technical Analysis:

Starting from the low B, the tuning spans a wide range with several notable intervals. The low two strings (B1 and E2) provide a powerful, extended bass foundation, ideal for crushing riffs and heavy textural work, reminiscent of Tool's characteristic sound.

• The open strings are: B1 - E2 - D3 - G3 - A3 - D4.
• Intervals from low to high: Perfect 4th (B-E), Major 7th (E-D, or a whole step down), Perfect 4th (D-G), Major 2nd (G-A), Perfect 4th (A-D).
• Noticeable Perfect 4ths between strings 6-5, 4-3, and 2-1. This common interval makes power chords and barre chords easy to finger across these string pairs.
• The pairing of D3-G3-A3-D4 on the top four strings forms an open Dsus4 chord, offering a rich, suspended tonality without needing to fret any notes. This makes it excellent for drone-based music, arpeggios, and melodic figures over an open Dsus4.
• The overall tuning has a distinct minor-ish flavor due to the prominent B and E, and the Dsus4 on top adds a contemplative, open feel. It avoids a major third, allowing for flexibility in major or minor contexts.

Chordal Opportunities:

• Open Dsus4: Strings D-G-A-D (4-3-2-1) naturally form a rich Dsus4 chord, perfect for resonant open string accompaniment or melodic exploration.
• Power Chords: The prevalence of perfect fourths (B-E, D-G, A-D) makes two-string power chords highly accessible across these string pairs. For example, barring any fret across strings 4 and 3 will yield a perfect 4th interval.
• Dark Tones: The low B and E provide a very deep and heavy foundation, allowing for powerful, dark, and detuned riffs, especially by muting higher strings.
• Modal Play: The open intervals and lack of a definitive major/minor third make this tuning highly suitable for modal playing, where the key is defined by the melodic and harmonic context rather than an inherent open chord.

How to Tune:

To achieve the BEDGAD tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. Note: This is a significant drop (-5 semitones); consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Note: This is a significant drop (-5 semitones); consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

When tuning, always proceed carefully, especially with large string movements.

String 6 (Low): Tuned to B1.

String 5: Tuned to E2.

String 4: Tuned to D3.

String 3: Tuned to G3.

String 2: Tuned to A3.

String 1 (High): Tuned to D4.