The Pelican tuning is a captivating open tuning for guitar, closely related to the popular DADGAD tuning. As described, only one string is changed from a DADGAD base (where the 3rd string is G), moving the G string down 3 semitones to E. This creates a distinctive character, particularly from the close interval between the third and fourth strings (D3 and E3), making it a unique relative of open D and DADGAD.

Technical Analysis: D A D E A D

This tuning transforms the standard E A D G B E into D A D E A D. When considering D as the root, the open strings produce a voicing of 1-5-1-2-5-1 (D-A-D-E-A-D). This configuration is essentially a Dsus2 chord, as the E note (the major second or ninth) is prominently featured without a major or minor third. Alternatively, it can be perceived as an Asus4 chord, given the strong presence of A and D notes, where D is the fourth of A.

The open D-A-D drone from the lower strings provides a rich, resonant foundation, perfect for folk, Celtic, and ambient music. The unique D3-E3 interval (a major second) on the middle strings (4th and 3rd string respectively) offers a distinct, slightly dissonant yet harmonically rich character, opening up new melodic possibilities and textures.

Open Chords & Shapes:

• Open Dsus2: The open strings naturally form a Dsus2 chord (D-A-D-E-A-D), providing an immediate, full and resonant sound ideal for arpeggios and strumming.
• D Major: By simply fretting the 3rd string (E) up two frets to F# (2nd fret), you can easily achieve a D Major chord, demonstrating the versatility of the tuning.
• Movable Shapes: The consistent intervals, particularly the open D and A notes on multiple strings, lend themselves to highly intuitive movable chord shapes and drone patterns across the fretboard. This tuning significantly encourages fingerstyle playing and melodic exploration over its resonant open strings.

How to Tune:

Starting from standard E Standard tuning (E A D G B E), adjust your strings as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Low E String: D2

A String: A2

D String: D3

G String: E3

B String: A3

High E String: D4