Verbal Analysis: Open D6 (DADF#BD)

The DADF#BD tuning, which we've named the "Open D6 Tuning," presents a bright and inviting sonic landscape. When strummed open, this tuning immediately reveals a rich D Major 6th chord, making it exceptionally resonant and harmonically full. It's an inspiring choice for musicians seeking fresh textures for fingerstyle pieces, slide guitar explorations, or simply a new foundation for songwriting. The inherent D Major 6th chord provides an excellent springboard for crafting melodic lines and exploring unique voicings that might be challenging in standard tuning. As its creator aptly put it, "i made it up..... have fun with it?" – a sentiment that perfectly captures the spirit of experimentation and discovery inherent in this unique setup.

Technical Analysis: Open D6 (DADF#BD)

This tuning sets the guitar strings from low to high as D1-A1-D2-F#3-B2-D3. The open strings collectively form a D Major 6th chord (D-F#-A-B), utilizing multiple octaves of D and A across the fretboard. Specifically, the interval structure from String 6 to String 1 is: Root (D), Perfect 5th (A), Octave Root (D), Major 3rd (F#), Major 6th (B), and another Octave Root (D). This specific arrangement places the Major 6th (B) on the second string and an octave D on the first string, offering a distinct harmonic spread compared to more common open tunings.

The low D and A strings provide a robust and deep bass foundation, while the upper strings contribute to a shimmering, full-bodied chord. While familiar chord shapes will require adaptation, the tuning lends itself well to simple barred chords. For instance, a single finger barring all strings at the 5th fret will yield a G Major 6th chord, opening up accessible new harmonic possibilities. The consistent D-A-D pattern on the lower strings also facilitates powerful rhythmic chugging and drone effects, making it versatile for various musical styles.

Tuning Notes

The individual notes for each string in this DADF#BD tuning are:

• String 6 (low E string): D1
• String 5 (A string): A1
• String 4 (D string): D2
• String 3 (G string): F#3
• String 2 (B string): B2
• String 1 (high E string): D3

How to Tune

To achieve the DADF#BD tuning, adjust your guitar strings according to the following instructions. Please note that these movements are described as per the provided tuning data to reach the specified target notes:

• String 6 (the thickest string): Tune it up 1 semitone to reach the note D1.
• String 5 (the A string): Tune it up 3 semitones to reach the note A1.
• String 4 (the D string): Tune it up 3 semitones to reach the note D2.
• String 3 (the G string): Tune it up 2 semitones to reach the note F#3.
• String 2 (the B string): Tune it up 2 semitones to reach the note B2.
• String 1 (the thinnest string): Keep it as is; no change (0 semitones) to reach the note D3.

Important Note on String Gauge: The provided tuning movements for each string are within the suggested safe range of 4 semitones up or down. This means a change in string gauge is generally not advised based on these specific instructions. However, always exercise caution and use a reliable tuner when adjusting your guitar's tension. If any string feels excessively tight or loose during the tuning process, it's always best to reconsider.