The Pavement Grounded Tuning is a unique and captivating modification of Stephen Malkmus' DADABE tuning, famously used in the Pavement song 'Grounded' from their album 'Wowee Zowee'. This tuning diverges from standard EADGBe in several key places, creating a rich, open, and somewhat ethereal soundscape that is characteristic of alternative rock and indie genres.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D2 A2 C#4 G#4 B3 E4. This combination of notes, when strummed open, does not immediately form a simple major or minor triad, but rather a more complex and expansive harmony. The lowest three strings (D-A-C#) strongly suggest a D Major 7th arpeggio, providing a stable, yet sophisticated foundation. Intriguingly, the top three strings (G#-B-E) form an E Major chord in its first inversion, creating a bright and uplifting counterpoint to the D Major 7th. The juxtaposition of D Major 7th and E Major gives the tuning a distinctive Lydian flavor (D Lydian includes G#), often associated with dreamy, progressive, or even slightly dissonant yet beautiful textures. This makes it ideal for jangly arpeggios, open drone notes, and creating lush, suspended chords with minimal fingering.

Musicians can explore voicings that leverage the natural perfect fifth (D-A), major seventh (D-C#), and the bright, almost 'floating' quality introduced by the G# and E strings. Simple barres or two-finger shapes can yield unexpected harmonic richness. For instance, a barred finger across the D-A-C# strings forms a clear Dmaj7, while selectively strumming the G#-B-E allows for an E major sound. The overall effect is one of wide-open, shimmering chords that defy conventional chord shapes, encouraging experimental and melodic approaches to songwriting.

How to Tune

To achieve the Pavement Grounded Tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise adjustments, referencing the final target notes for clarity:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. This is a moderate drop, generally safe for standard string gauges.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone to C#4. This indicates a minor pitch adjustment, but note the target octave is C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 1 semitone to G#4. This indicates a minor pitch adjustment, but note the target octave is G#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Important Note on String Gauges: Please exercise caution when tuning up or down. For movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument.

6th String: Tuned to D2 (an octave below middle D), providing a deep and resonant bass foundation.

5th String: Tuned to A2 (the same A as standard tuning), serving as a stable harmonic anchor.

4th String: Tuned to C#4 (a C sharp in the middle octave, a significant jump from a typical D string), adding a distinct major seventh quality to the lower register.

3rd String: Tuned to G#4 (a G sharp in the middle octave, a significant jump from a typical G string), introducing a bright, augmented, and Lydian character.

2nd String: Tuned to B3 (the same B as standard tuning), offering a familiar point of reference.

1st String: Tuned to E4 (the same high E as standard tuning), providing a shimmering high end.