Tuning Analysis: DADFBE (Pavement)

This distinctive tuning, famously utilized in two Pavement songs, presents a unique sonic landscape. It skillfully blends familiar open string resonances with a slightly melancholic or bluesy character, achieved through specific alterations from standard guitar tuning.

Verbal Analysis

The DADFBE tuning immediately establishes a mood with its lowered bass string, providing a deep, resonant foundation. The open D-A-D on the lowest three strings creates a powerful, almost droning quality reminiscent of Drop D, making it effortless to play rich, full-bodied chords and riffs rooted in D. A key characteristic of this tuning is the alteration of the third string, lowered from G to F. This F note, a minor third above the open D string, introduces an intriguing tension and a slightly somber or introspective character to open string voicings, moving away from the brighter clarity of a standard G string. This lends itself well to bluesy, alternative rock, or indie sounds, encouraging players to explore unconventional harmonies and melodies. The upper B and E strings remain at their standard pitches, offering a familiar anchor for lead lines and higher chord extensions, yet their interaction with the D-A-D-F lower strings creates fresh harmonic possibilities. It’s a tuning that actively encourages experimentation, ideal for crafting expansive soundscapes and driving, yet subtly 'off-kilter,' rhythmic parts.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes in this tuning are D2, A2, D3, F3, B3, E4. Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, the 6th string (low E) is tuned down 2 semitones to D, and the 3rd string (G) is also tuned down 2 semitones to F. The remaining strings (A, D, B, E) maintain their standard pitches.

The intervals of the open strings, relative to the lowest D string, are:

• D2 (String 6)
• A2 (String 5) - Perfect 5th above D
• D3 (String 4) - Octave above D
• F3 (String 3) - Minor 3rd above D
• B3 (String 2) - Major 6th above D
• E4 (String 1) - Major 9th above D

Strumming all open strings (D-A-D-F-B-E) yields a complex, rich, and somewhat dissonant voicing. The D-A-D-F combination forms a D minor arpeggio (root, fifth, octave, minor third). The addition of B and E introduces further extensions, effectively creating a D minor chord with a major 6th (B) and a major 9th (E). This open voicing is unique and evocative, making it challenging to classify as a simple major or minor chord but highly rewarding for creating atmospheric or progressive textures.

Open Chords and Playability:

• The low D-A-D configuration on the bass strings makes it incredibly straightforward to play powerful, droning chords and riffs centered around D. Any chord shape that primarily utilizes these three strings will inherently possess a strong D root.
• Standard open D Major (XX0232) can be adapted, leveraging the open D strings, but the F on the 3rd string (instead of G) significantly alters many common chord shapes that depend on the standard G string. For example, a typical G Major chord shape will sound distinctly different, often requiring new fingering or leading to fresh, unexpected voicings.
• Chords built around D minor feel very natural in this tuning. For instance, fretting an A on the 5th fret of the 5th string while playing the open D and F strings provides an easy D minor voicing.
• The tuning greatly encourages fingerpicking patterns that utilize the open D-A-D for a rich bass and drone, while the F-B-E strings provide excellent opportunities for melodic lines and higher harmonies. This makes it a superb foundation for alternative and indie rock styles where lush, slightly unconventional harmonies are highly prized.

How to Tune

To achieve the DADFBE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps meticulously:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones to F.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Important Note: The tuning changes involve dropping strings by 2 semitones. While these movements are moderate, always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's intonation is checked after any significant tuning alterations. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string is generally advised, though not strictly necessary for this particular tuning.

Here are the notes for each string in DADFBE tuning, from lowest to highest:

• String 6 (Low E): D2
• String 5 (A): A2
• String 4 (D): D3
• String 3 (G): F3
• String 2 (B): B3
• String 1 (High E): E4