Tuning Overview: D7sus4

The D7sus4 tuning is a rich and versatile open tuning for the guitar, closely related to the popular DADGAD tuning. Its distinctive character comes from lowering the first string (high E) an additional tone (two semitones) compared to DADGAD, or four semitones from standard E. This creates a prominent minor seventh interval (C) over the D root, resulting in an open D7sus4 chord. This tuning offers a unique harmonic landscape particularly well-suited for various musical styles, including folk, Celtic, blues, and even rock, where its open, ringing qualities can be fully explored.

Technically, the open strings produce the notes D2-A2-D3-G3-A3-C4 (from low E to high E string). When strummed open, this forms a Dsus4 chord with an added minor seventh (C), hence D7sus4. This structure immediately provides a full, resonant chord without any fretting, making it ideal for drone-based music and for creating flowing melodies and chord progressions. The open fifths (D-A-D) and the suspended fourth (G) provide a stable harmonic foundation, while the C adds a bluesy or modal flavor, opening doors to creative voicings and improvisations. Due to the inherent structure, common chords such as D minor, D major, and various seventh chords can be easily accessible with minimal fret hand movement.

How to Tune to D7sus4

To achieve the D7sus4 tuning, start from standard EADGBe tuning and adjust your strings as follows. Please pay attention to the degree of movement, as extreme changes can affect string tension and potentially require a different string gauge.

• Low E String (6th string): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• A String (5th string): Keep as is; no change from A2 (0 semitones).
• D String (4th string): Keep as is; no change from D3 (0 semitones).
• G String (3rd string): Keep as is; no change from G3 (0 semitones).
• B String (2nd string): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• High E String (1st string): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. This is a significant drop; if you frequently use this tuning, consider a slightly lighter gauge string for better playability and to maintain optimal tension, reducing stress on your guitar.

General Caution: Tuning a string up or down by more than 4 semitones (either -4 or +4 or above) from its standard pitch might require a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. For this tuning, the high E string moves down 4 semitones, which is at the threshold where a different gauge might be beneficial for sustained use.

String 6: D2

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: A3

String 1: C4