Verbal Analysis: Unveiling Owen's 'Bad News' Tuning

Owen's 'Bad News' DADF#BC# tuning for the Guitar is a unique and somewhat enigmatic soundscape, moving beyond conventional open chords to create a rich, layered sonic palette. While not an immediate open major or minor chord, its open strings ring out a sophisticated Dmaj7(add6) or Dmaj13 quality, offering a shimmering, potentially melancholic, or even ethereal sound. This tuning seems designed for atmospheric textures, complex harmonies, and melodic explorations rather than straightforward strumming.

The low D-A-D foundation provides a robust, resonant base for drone notes or powerful riffs, reminiscent of Drop D tunings but with a distinct upper register. The higher strings, featuring F#4, B3, and C#5, introduce elements of D major, but with added extensions (6th and Major 7th) that create a sense of tension, resolution, and intriguing color. It's a tuning that encourages experimentation, inviting players to discover unconventional chord voicings and melodic ideas that might not emerge from standard tuning.

Technical Analysis: DADF#BC# Intervals and Chords

This custom Guitar tuning establishes its open string notes as follows:

• 6th String (Low D): D2
• 5th String (A): A2 (Perfect 5th above D)
• 4th String (D): D3 (Octave of the root D)
• 3rd String (F#): F#4 (Major 3rd above D)
• 2nd String (B): B3 (Major 6th above D)
• 1st String (High C#): C#5 (Major 7th above D)

When strummed open, the combination of D-A-D-F#-B-C# forms a complex sonority that can be interpreted as a Dmaj7(add6) or Dmaj13 chord. This chord features the root (D), fifth (A), major third (F#), major sixth (B), and major seventh (C#), creating a rich, jazz-influenced or neo-classical feel. It's distinct from a simple open major or minor chord, immediately setting a sophisticated mood.

The presence of the open D-A-D on the lower strings makes power chords particularly accessible and resonant. Barring across these three strings at any fret will yield powerful 5th chords (e.g., 3rd fret would be F5). The higher strings then offer opportunities to add color and extensions to these root chords. Due to the wide intervals and the Dmaj7(add6) structure, players can easily discover open, ringing chords by simply barring across various frets, leading to a consistent harmonic texture up and down the neck.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Owen's 'Bad News' DADF#BC#

To achieve this distinctive tuning, please adjust your strings from standard EADGBe as follows. Always use a reliable tuner for accuracy:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 3 semitones to C#5.

Important Note on String Gauges: For tunings that require significant changes (generally more than 4 semitones up or down), it is often recommended to consider a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or intonation issues. For this particular tuning, all string adjustments are within a safe range, so your standard gauge strings should work without issue. However, always exercise caution when adjusting string tension.

6th String: D2

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: F#4

2nd String: B3

1st String: C#5