The DAC#DAE tuning is famously known as the Calum Graham Tuning, specifically utilized in his song "124+". This tuning offers a rich, resonant soundscape, deeply rooted in its lower register while providing bright, open melodic possibilities on the higher strings. It's particularly well-suited for fingerstyle guitarists seeking extended harmonies and a full, ambient wash of sound.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E-A-D-G-B-e (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4) into D-A-C#-D-A-E (D2-A2-C#4-D3-A3-E4). Let's analyze the intervals from the lowest string (String 6) to the highest (String 1) in their final order of pitch: D2, A2, D3, A3, C#4, E4.

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (A2): A Perfect 5th (P5).
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): A Perfect 4th (P4).
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (A3): A Perfect 5th (P5).
• String 3 (A3) to String 2 (C#4): A Major 3rd (M3).
• String 2 (C#4) to String 1 (E4): A minor 3rd (m3).

The open strings form a complex harmonic cluster around D. The lower D-A-D-A provides a strong foundation of open fifths and octaves, creating a resonant drone effect. The higher C# and E notes introduce a bright, extended harmony. The tuning effectively creates a D Major chord (D-F#-A) with a missing F#, but includes its Major 7th (C#) and Major 9th (E). The overall sound is open, bright, and harmonically rich, characteristic of many modern fingerstyle tunings.

Chords & Harmonic Possibilities

• Open Chord Voicing: The open strings D2-A2-C#4-D3-A3-E4, when ordered by pitch as D2-A2-D3-A3-C#4-E4, create a very open D Major 7th chord with an added 2nd (Dmaj7add2, or Dmaj9 without the 3rd). This provides a naturally full and resonant sound without fretting.
• Drones and Power Chords: The combination of the low D (String 6), A (String 5), and D (String 3) makes for powerful D5 open chords or sustained drones. The repeating D and A notes provide a solid, unwavering base.
• Accessible Major/Minor Shapes: Basic D-shaped chords will be easily accessible and resonate deeply. By moving simple chord shapes up the fretboard, a wide range of major and minor harmonies can be achieved, with the open strings often providing sympathetic resonance.
• Extended Harmonies: The C# on the 4th string functions as a natural Major 7th to the D root, and the E on the 1st string as a Major 9th. This allows for easy access to extended jazz and contemporary harmonies, especially within the key of D major.
• Melodic Freedom: The open intervals provide ample space for melodic lines to weave through, utilizing the droning bass notes for support.

How to Tune

To achieve the DAC#DAE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at its standard A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitone from its standard D3 to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard G3 to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones (a perfect fourth) is a significant change. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tone and tension if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at its standard E4.