The DADGAD (Minor Third Down) tuning takes the beloved DADGAD framework and plunges it into a deeper, more resonant territory by lowering every string by three half-steps. This results in an open tuning of B-F#-B-E-F#-B, which creates a rich, full Bsus4 chord when strummed open.

Verbal Analysis: This tuning offers a profoundly low and dark timbre, providing a canvas for deep, atmospheric soundscapes. The significant drop in pitch across all strings, particularly the lowest and highest strings which are lowered by five semitones, means the strings will feel slacker than in standard tuning, possibly inviting a more delicate touch or, conversely, a heavier attack to exploit the added resonance. The drone-like qualities of DADGAD are amplified here, making it ideal for fingerstyle, folk, Celtic music, or even heavier, moodier rock and ambient styles where a rich, sustained low end is desired. The unique octave placements, specifically the F#3 on the 5th string sitting above the B2 on the 4th, and the F#4 on the 2nd string sitting above the B3 on the 1st string, create an unusual intervallic structure that can lead to surprising voicings and textures.

Technical Analysis: The open strings spell out B-F#-B-E-F#-B. This arrangement directly forms a Bsus4 chord (B, E, F#), giving it an immediate, harmonious character. The foundational B on the 6th string provides a deep root, while the repeated F# and B notes across the other strings create a powerful resonance. The intervallic structure from low to high is:

• 6th string (B1) to 5th string (F#3): Perfect 5th (with two octaves difference)
• 5th string (F#3) to 4th string (B2): Perfect 4th down
• 4th string (B2) to 3rd string (E3): Perfect 4th up
• 3rd string (E3) to 2nd string (F#4): Major 2nd up
• 2nd string (F#4) to 1st string (B3): Perfect 4th down

This open Bsus4 allows for immediate musicality. By simply barring across all strings, you can easily access other sus4 chords (e.g., Csus4 at the 1st fret, C#sus4 at the 2nd fret). The low B and high B provide strong octave foundations, while the intervening F#s and E create a versatile tonal center. Due to the wide range and specific note placement, traditional chord shapes might need re-evaluation, but the tuning excels in creating drone-like textures, open harmonies, and modal explorations, particularly in the key of B or E.

The target notes for this tuning, from the thickest (6th) string to the thinnest (1st) string, are:

• 6th String: B1
• 5th String: F#3
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: F#4
• 1st String: B3

How to Tune:

Start from standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and adjust each string as follows. Please note that significant drops in pitch (greater than 4 semitones) may require a heavier string gauge to maintain optimal tension and tone.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to B1. This is a significant drop, so proceed with caution.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 5 semitones to F#4. This is a significant drop, so proceed with caution.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3. This is a significant drop, so proceed with caution.