The CADEAd tuning for guitar plunges the instrument into a deep, resonant landscape, offering a unique sonic palette compared to standard tuning. With its lowest string dropped significantly to C, this tuning creates a powerful foundation, ideal for genres demanding heavy, atmospheric, or experimental textures. The overall sound leans towards a dark and expansive quality.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning features the notes C2-A2-D3-E3-A3-D4. This arrangement doesn't form a conventional major or minor triad in its open form, but instead hints at more complex harmonies:

• If viewed with D as the root, the open strings contain D (strings 4 & 1), A (strings 5 & 2), E (string 3), and C (string 6). This configuration closely resembles a Dm9(no 3rd) voicing (D-A-C-E with the D as the root, E as the 9th, A as the 5th, and C as the minor 7th). The absence of the F (minor 3rd) provides flexibility, allowing for both minor and suspended qualities depending on played chords.
• The pairing of D-A-D across the 4th, 2nd, and 1st strings creates a strong Dsus2 or D5 power chord foundation, making these voicings easily accessible by simply barring.
• The low C (C2) provides an exceptionally deep bass note, which can function as a strong root or a dark drone.

Chordal Opportunities:

This tuning lends itself to:

• Open D-based chords: The D-A-D across the top three non-C strings (D3 E3 A3 D4) makes open Dsus2 and Dsus4 chords incredibly resonant. A simple bar across the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings at any fret can yield interesting D-based voicings with the open C as a deep root.
• Power Chords: With the 4th and 1st strings tuned to D, and the 2nd string to A, D5 power chords are readily available across multiple octaves. The low C can then be used to create C5 or even C-based chords that incorporate the D string.
• Drone Effects: The open C and D strings offer powerful drone possibilities, especially when played against melodic lines on the higher strings.
• Heavy Riffing: The low C combined with the D-A-D structure is perfect for heavy, chugging riffs, especially in metal, progressive rock, or post-rock contexts.

Overall, CADEAd is a tuning for players looking to explore darker, more complex harmonies and a significantly extended bass range, moving beyond the traditional sound of standard EADGBe.

How to Tune:

To achieve the CADEAd tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments, starting from the thickest string (6th string) to the thinnest (1st string):

• 6th String (Low E to C2): Tune down 4 semitones. Note: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. For optimal playability and tension, a heavier gauge string is advised for the low E.
• 5th String (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 2nd String (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 1st String (High E to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.