This tuning, affectionately named D4 Dads, presents a unique blend of heavy and melodic, as its original description suggests: "If Opeth were from West Hollywood." It's an experimental and expressive tuning that steps away from conventional harmony to offer new sonic landscapes.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are D2-A2-D3-F4#-A3-G4#. This configuration immediately establishes a familiar low D-A-D arrangement on the bottom three strings, characteristic of Drop D tunings. This allows for effortless one-finger power chords across the low strings, forming a powerful D5 chord with the open 6th, 5th, and 4th strings.

Delving deeper, the middle strings (D3 on the 4th, F4# on the 3rd, and A3 on the 2nd) form a clear D major triad, providing a strong and resonant harmonic anchor. However, the true character of this tuning emerges with the high G4# on the first string. This G# creates a distinct tension with the underlying D major harmony. It functions as an augmented fourth (or diminished fifth) from the root D, and a major seventh from the open A string. This complex interval avoids simple major or minor tonalities, inviting exploration of more exotic, progressive, or even dissonant harmonic ideas.

While not resolving to a simple open major or minor chord, D4 Dads offers immediate access to robust D5 power chords and rich D major voicings. The unique placement of the G# encourages melodic lines and chord voicings that lean into its tension or use it to create unique harmonic colors, particularly well-suited for genres that demand a heavy low-end combined with intricate, angular melodic or harmonic textures higher up the neck.

How to Tune

To achieve the D4 Dads tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, follow these precise adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitones to F4#.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 8 semitones to G4#. Caution: Tuning this string down by 8 semitones is a very significant change. We strongly advise considering a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension, prevent string floppiness, and ensure proper intonation and playability. Proceed with extra care to avoid potential damage to your instrument or the string itself.

Note on string gauge: Any tuning adjustments exceeding 4 semitones (up or down) generally benefit from a specific string gauge to optimize tension, playability, and intonation.

Open String Notes for D4 Dads Tuning:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: F4#
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: G4#