Tuning Analysis: DAC#EAB

This unique tuning, DAC#EAB, as described by its creator, is a "folk tuning... very dark sounding and haunting. Perfect for acoustic guitar and dreamy reverberated electric. Works great with a capo." The open string notes are D2 A2 C#4 E3 A3 B4, which immediately suggests a rich, complex harmonic landscape rather than a simple triad.

Verbal Analysis: The Soundscape

The verbal description perfectly captures the essence of this tuning. The arrangement of notes lends itself to a dark and haunting quality, likely due to the inclusion of a major seventh (C# in relation to D) and a major thirteenth (B in relation to D) within a broad sonic spectrum. The low D and A provide a strong, resonant foundation, while the C#, E, A, and B on the higher strings weave together to create a sound that is both expansive and melancholic. It truly evokes a dreamy reverberated atmosphere, making it ideal for ambient textures, fingerstyle folk, or atmospheric lead lines. The potential for open drone notes and sustained harmonies is significant, enhancing its suitability for acoustic performances or electric guitars drenched in effects.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the Intervals

The open strings of DAC#EAB are D2 A2 C#4 E3 A3 B4. Let's break down the intervals relative to the lowest D:

• String 6 (D2): The root, providing a deep, resonant foundation.
• String 5 (A2): A perfect 5th (P5) above the root, reinforcing the D tonality with a strong harmonic.
• String 4 (C#4): A major 7th (M7) above the D root, but notably two octaves higher than D2. This high placement of the C# adds a shimmering, open quality, giving the tuning a distinct Lydian or Maj7 feel.
• String 3 (E3): A major 9th (M9) or major 2nd (M2) above the D root, adding a sweet, jazzy extension.
• String 2 (A3): Another perfect 5th (P5), an octave higher than A2, creating a rich, full sound with octave reinforcement.
• String 1 (B4): A major 13th (M13) or major 6th (M6) above the D root, placed high for a bright, almost ethereal top voice.

Collectively, the open strings form a rich Dmaj7(add9, add13) chord, or a very open voicing of Dmaj9(add13). This complex harmony provides a ready-made lush backdrop for improvisation and songwriting. The strong D-A root-fifth foundation on the lower strings makes power chords easily accessible on these two strings, while the higher strings offer beautiful extensions. Barring across any fret will yield interesting, complex voicings that are inherently rich.

The presence of octaves (A2 and A3) adds to the tuning's resonance, making it feel full even with minimal fingering. The wide spacing of some notes across octaves, particularly the C#4 and B4, contributes to the "dreamy" and "haunting" character. It's a tuning that encourages open-string drones and arpeggiated figures, allowing the natural harmonics to shine. Playing with a capo will shift the entire harmonic structure up, offering a new palette of rich open chords.

How to Tune Your Guitar for DAC#EAB

To achieve the DAC#EAB tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 1 semitones to C#4.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 7 semitones to B4. **Caution:** This is a significant increase in tension. Tuning up 7 semitones (a perfect fifth) from E to B is a large adjustment. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is strongly advised to consider using a different gauge string (e.g., a lighter gauge for tuning up, or heavier for tuning down significantly) to prevent string breakage, potential damage to your guitar neck, or intonation issues. Exercise extreme care when adjusting this string.

The open strings of your guitar should be tuned as follows:

• String 6 (lowest): D2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: C#4
• String 3: E3
• String 2: A3
• String 1 (highest): B4