The "B-52s / Ricky Wilson tuning (DADxBB)" is a distinctive 5-string guitar tuning famously employed by Ricky Wilson of the iconic band, The B-52s. This unique setup involves the effective removal of the traditional G string, resulting in a striking open chord sound and simplified playing approach often found in genres like surf rock and new wave.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning features the following open notes from the lowest (thickest) to highest (thinnest) string:

• Open Notes: D2, A2, D3, B3, B3.
• Intervals: The tuning presents a sequence of a perfect fifth (D2-A2), a perfect fourth (A2-D3), a wide major sixth (D3-B3), and finally a unison (B3-B3). The major sixth interval between the middle strings and the unison high strings are key to its unique, ringing character.
• Chordal Implications: Strumming all open strings produces a rich D major sixth (Dmaj6) chord (D-A-D-B-B). This provides a ready-made harmonic foundation, making it easy to create full-sounding progressions with minimal effort. The repeated D and B notes add density and a distinct chime, reminiscent of mandolin or 12-string textures.
• Playability: The open Dmaj6 chord means that simple barring across any fret will yield movable Dmaj6 shapes, transposing the chord up the neck (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret creates an Emaj6 chord). This makes rhythm playing intuitive and powerful. The absence of the G string simplifies chord voicings and opens up new possibilities for single-note lines and percussive strumming that are characteristic of Ricky Wilson's distinctive style.

How to Tune:

To achieve the "B-52s / Ricky Wilson tuning (DADxBB)", you will adjust your standard 6-string guitar's low E, A, D, B, and high E strings. Remember that the traditional G string is not present in this 5-string configuration.

• Low E String (String 5): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard E2 to D2.
• A String (String 4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard A2 to A2.
• D String (String 3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard D3 to D3.
• B String (String 2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard B3 to B3.
• High E String (String 1): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard E4 to B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant alteration in string tension. For optimal playability and intonation, and to avoid excessively loose strings, it is highly recommended to consider using a heavier gauge string for your high E string (String 1) when adopting this tuning.

String 5 (Lowest): D2

String 4: A2

String 3: D3

String 2: B3

String 1 (Highest): B3