The 'dadac#e' tuning transforms your guitar into a resonant instrument, ideal for a variety of musical styles. This tuning's open strings ring out as A major with a D bass (D-A-D-A-C#-E), offering a rich, full, and slightly suspended quality right from the open position. It's a versatile tuning that can evoke a sense of spaciousness and depth, making it suitable for folk, blues, rock, and even experimental music.

Technically, the tuning is D2-A2-D3-A3-C#4-E4. The lowest four strings (D-A-D-A) establish a strong, droning perfect fifth relationship, reminiscent of a Drop D tuning but extended with an A. This allows for powerful low-end riffs and provides a solid harmonic foundation. The upper two strings (A-C#-E) complete an A major triad, adding brightness and harmonic clarity. The major third (A to C#) on the third to second strings, followed by a minor third (C# to E) on the second to first strings, creates a natural A major shape on the higher register.

This configuration makes it easy to imply a D or A tonality. By barring across the top five or all six strings at various frets, you can quickly achieve major or dominant 7th chords. For instance, a single finger barred across the second fret on strings 6 through 1 would yield an E/B (E major with a B bass) sound. Similarly, a barre at the fifth fret would lean towards a G/D (G major with a D bass) or D/G (D major with a G bass). The inherent open fifths also make it excellent for creating melodic lines with drone accompaniment or for slide guitar, where the open A major voicing will shine.

Here are the notes for each string in this tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): D2
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): A3
• 2nd String (B): C#4
• 1st String (High E): E4

How to Tune

To achieve the 'dadac#e' tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps. Please note the recommended semitone movements for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2 to A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3 to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3. (Exercise caution when tuning up.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones from B3 to C#4. (Exercise caution when tuning up.)
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.

Note on String Tension: The string movements for this tuning (-2, 0, 0, +2, +2, 0 semitones) fall within safe limits for standard gauge strings. While movements exceeding negative 4 or positive 4 semitones might typically advise a different string gauge, this tuning does not require such a change. Always tune up slowly and carefully, especially when increasing pitch.