Tuning Overview: DAA#DAA#

This unique tuning, popularized by Martin Sandstrom of Stiu Nu Stiu on the album Fake End, offers a distinctive and often heavy soundscape. It's characterized by its extremely low fundamental D string, a strong presence of A notes, and the crucial inclusion of A# (Bb) notes that provide a unique harmonic tension.

Verbal Analysis

The DAA#DAA# tuning immediately evokes a sense of depth and atmospheric richness. The low D and repeated A notes provide a solid, almost droning foundation, while the A# (enharmonically Bb) notes introduce an exotic, slightly dissonant, or melancholic quality. This is not a standard major or minor tuning, lending itself to experimental, progressive, or heavy musical styles where unusual harmonies and open string resonance are desired. The significant down-tuning across most strings can contribute to a weighty, 'chuggy' feel and ease of wide vibrato or bends.

Technical Analysis

The open strings for this tuning are: D2, A2, A#3, D3, A3, A#4.

The core notes present are D, A, and A#. Relative to the lowest D root, we observe the following intervals:

• D (Root)
• A (Perfect 5th)
• A# (Augmented 5th / Minor 6th)

This combination results in an open chord that is neither purely major nor minor. It can be interpreted as a Dsus2(b6) (D-A-Bb) or a Dm6 without the third. The A# (enharmonically Bb) creates a strong suspended and slightly dissonant character against the D and A. The presence of octaves for D (D2, D3), A (A2, A3), and A# (A#3, A#4) across the strings allows for rich, layered voicings and powerful open string drones.

Open Chords and Voicings

With the open strings, you can easily achieve:

• A resonant D5 power chord by strumming strings 6, 5, 3, and 2 (D-A-D-A).
• The full D-A-A# (Bb) open chord across all six strings, creating its characteristic tension and depth.
• Power chords and octave shapes on the lower strings will inherently take on a darker, more complex character due to the low D and the interval relationship of the A#.
• The arrangement is excellent for creating drone parts, particularly on the D and A strings, with the A# providing harmonic color and tension.

How to Tune

To achieve the DAA#DAA# tuning, follow these steps for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 4 semitones to A#3. *Exercise care when tuning this string due to the significant drop in tension.*
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. *A different gauge string is strongly advised for this string due to the extreme tension reduction.*
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 6 semitones to A#4. *A different gauge string is strongly advised for this string due to the extreme tension reduction.*

General Caution: Tuning down strings significantly, particularly 5 or more semitones, drastically reduces string tension. Even a 4-semitone drop requires careful adjustment. For optimal playability, tone, and to prevent potential damage to your guitar's neck, consider using a heavier gauge string set specifically designed for down-tunings when movements exceed 4 semitones in either direction.