Verbal Analysis

The "DADGAB" tuning, as suggested by its creator, is a specialized setup often favored in genres like math rock and solo emo, particularly for artists like Owen. It offers a unique sonic palette, moving away from standard major/minor open tunings to provide a more articulate and resonant sound. The lower strings provide a solid, almost drone-like foundation, while the higher strings introduce interesting intervals that invite intricate fingerstyle playing and arpeggiated melodic lines. It's designed for players looking to explore complex harmonies and open voicings, allowing for rich textures and emotional depth that can be challenging to achieve in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are D2 A2 D3 G3 A3 B3 (from low to high string).

The overall tonality of the open strings leans towards a D major context, but with intriguing suspensions and added notes. The lowest three strings D2 A2 D3 form a strong D power chord, providing a powerful and resonant bass. Moving up, the G3 A3 B3 creates a cluster of notes (G, A, B) that can be interpreted as a Dsus4 (G) and D6 (B) over the D root, with the A acting as the perfect fifth. This essentially forms an open Dsus4add6 chord.

The intervals between adjacent strings are as follows:

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (A3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (B3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)

The prevalence of 4ths, 5ths, and 2nds creates a distinct sound that avoids traditional triad shapes, pushing the player towards more open and spread voicings.

Chordal Opportunities

• Open Dsus4add6: The open strings naturally form a Dsus4add6 chord (D G A B), which offers a rich, suspended, and slightly bright sound suitable for arpeggios and atmospheric pads.
• Power Chords on Lower Strings: The D A D on the bottom three strings makes it easy to construct D power chords and their inversions simply by barring or fretting these strings.
• Modal Explorations: The D-centric nature with the added G, A, and B suggests easy access to D Lydian or D Major scale fragments, especially on the higher strings.
• Unique Voicings: By fretting the top three strings (G A B) in various ways over the open D A D, one can create unique sus2, sus4, and add6 voicings in different keys. For example, barring the 2nd fret on the top three strings would yield A B C# over the open D A D, creating intriguing dissonances or extensions.

How to Tune

To achieve the DADGAB tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones to B3.

Important Note: When tuning, exercise caution. Tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (such as the High E string being tuned down 5 semitones) might require a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or intonation issues.

String 6 (Low E): D2

String 5 (A): A2

String 4 (D): D3

String 3 (G): G3

String 2 (B): A3

String 1 (High E): B3