Verbal Analysis

The "2 Chord - Sleeping With Sirens DADABD" tuning is an intriguing and highly versatile alteration for the guitar, blending elements of Drop D and Open D tunings with a unique twist on the third string. This setup immediately suggests a powerful, resonant low end, characteristic of modern rock and metal, while offering a surprising melodic openness in the higher registers. The presence of multiple D and A notes creates a natural, expansive sound, making it particularly well-suited for anthemic power chords, rich sustained arpeggios, and heavy riffs. The name "2 Chord" hints at its potential for simplifying harmony, making it easier to craft compelling musical ideas with fewer complex shapes. It's a tuning designed to inspire creativity, offering familiar sonic landscapes with fresh pathways for expression.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the guitar strings to the notes D2-A2-D3-A3-B3-D4, from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string.

At its core, the tuning features a repeating D-A-D pattern on the lower and upper sets of strings (D-A-D | A-B-D). Analysing the intervals from the low D (D2), we find:

• 6th String (D2): Root (D)
• 5th String (A2): Perfect 5th above D
• 4th String (D3): Octave above D2
• 3rd String (A3): Perfect 5th above D3 (or two octaves + perfect 5th above D2)
• 2nd String (B3): Major 6th above D3 (or an octave + Major 6th above D2)
• 1st String (D4): Two octaves above D2

The open strings collectively form a D Major 6th chord (D-A-D-A-B-D), which provides a rich, consonant sound without any fretting. The absence of an F# (the major 3rd) allows for flexibility, letting the player imply either major or minor harmonies through fretting, or embrace the open, somewhat suspended quality. The mirrored D-A-D structure on the low strings facilitates powerful, single-finger barre power chords, while the A-B-D on the higher strings offers interesting harmonic extensions.

Open Chords and Possibilities

This DADABD tuning offers a range of immediate harmonic possibilities and easy-to-reach chord shapes:

• Open D6 Chord: Strumming all open strings yields a full and resonant D Major 6th chord (D-A-D-A-B-D). This is an excellent foundation for melodic exploration or as a rich ambient texture.
• Easy Power Chords: The bottom three strings (D-A-D) form a perfect power chord. By barring a single finger across these three strings at any fret, you instantly create a powerful 5th chord. For example, barring the 3rd fret gives you F-C-F, a strong F5.
• Implied D Major/Minor: Although the open tuning is D6, by either fretting the B string or focusing on the D-A-D-A-D notes, you can easily imply D major or D minor tonalities by adding the respective third (F# or F).
• A Chord Voicings: The A-D-A structure within the tuning allows for easy A-based chords, particularly A5 or even an open A suspended 2nd.
• Unique Barre Chords: Experiment with full barres across all six strings. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would yield E-B-E-B-C#-E, creating an E Major 6th (without the 3rd). A barre at the 5th fret produces G-D-G-D-E-G, a G Major 6th (without the 3rd). These offer fresh, open voicings for common chord roots.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "2 Chord - Sleeping With Sirens DADABD" tuning from standard E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these specific adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Tuning Advice: When making adjustments, especially when tuning a string up, always proceed slowly and carefully to avoid snapping the string. The tuning up of the 3rd string by 2 semitones requires particular attention, although it is generally safe for standard gauge strings. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge might be advisable for optimal tension and playability.

String 6 (Low E): Tuned down to D2.

String 5 (A): Remains at A2.

String 4 (D): Remains at D3.

String 3 (G): Tuned up to A3.

String 2 (B): Remains at B3.

String 1 (High E): Tuned down to D4.