The Bagpipe Tuning is an evocative custom tuning for Guitar, specifically designed for celtic fingerstyle guitar. As its name suggests, this tuning aims to replicate the distinctive drone and modal qualities often found in bagpipe music. It provides a rich, resonant sound that is perfect for traditional Celtic melodies and modern compositions seeking that unique, sustained harmonic texture.

Technically, the open strings are tuned to D2-A2-A2-E3-A3-E4 (low to high). This arrangement immediately reveals a strong open 'D' quality, particularly a Dsus2 chord (D-A-E). The repeated A's on the 5th, 4th, and 2nd strings, along with the E's on the 3rd and 1st strings, create powerful drone possibilities. The fundamental D on the lowest string anchors the tuning, providing a solid bass foundation.

With the open strings, you naturally get a rich Dsus2 chord, offering a lush, open sound that is neither major nor minor, lending itself well to modal playing. Sliding into a D major or D minor chord becomes very accessible, often requiring simple barre shapes or single-finger adjustments. For instance, barring the 2nd fret across the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings (F#, B, F#) creates a powerful Dmaj chord over the open D-A-A. Similarly, a D minor can be achieved by barring the 1st fret (F, A, F). The open E on the 3rd and 1st strings can also be leveraged as a sustained drone, reminiscent of bagpipe chanter notes. The close intervals and repeated notes invite melodic lines that interweave with the sustained open strings, creating a full and harmonically complex soundscape.

How to Tune Your Guitar for Bagpipe Tuning:

To achieve the Bagpipe Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments. Please exercise caution, especially when tuning strings significantly down or up.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant adjustment. For extended use, considering a heavier gauge string for this position may be advisable to maintain tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E4.

6th String: D2

5th String: A2

4th String: A2

3rd String: E3

2nd String: A3

1st String: E4