Tuning Analysis: DADGC#E

This intriguing tuning, serendipitously discovered on a Telecaster in a used guitar store, presents a unique sonic landscape. It blends elements of common drop tunings with a distinctly altered higher string, offering a versatile foundation for various musical styles, from heavy rock and blues to intricate fingerstyle, or even experimental soundscapes requiring a bright, unconventional edge.

Verbal Analysis

The DADGC#E tuning immediately establishes a strong D-centric tonality, thanks to the low D and the open D string. This provides a deep, resonant bass perfect for powerful riffs, open drones, and a solid foundation for D-based compositions. The retention of the standard A, D, and G strings (5th, 4th, 3rd) means that some familiar chord shapes and scale patterns will still be somewhat recognizable, particularly on the middle strings. However, the most distinctive and impactful feature is the 2nd string being tuned up to C#. This creates a bright, sharp, and somewhat unexpected interval against the open G string (a tritone), which can be utilized for tension, bluesy inflections, or to craft unique harmonic colors. The high E string remains standard, providing a familiar anchor point for melodies or higher voicings.

Technical Analysis

The DADGC#E tuning is technically a modified Drop D tuning, with a significant alteration to the second string. Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, the changes are as follows:

• 6th String (Low E): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) to D2.
• 5th String (A): Remains standard at A2.
• 4th String (D): Remains standard at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Remains standard at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tuned up a major second (2 semitones) to C#5.
• 1st String (High E): Remains standard at E4.

The open strings produce the notes: D, A, D, G, C#, E. This collection of notes creates a harmonically rich sound. The lower three strings (D-A-D) form a powerful D5 chord. When all six strings are strummed open, the resulting chord is not a simple major or minor triad. It contains a D major triad (D, A, F# implicitly through other notes), with an added G (a suspended fourth), C# (a major seventh), and E (a major ninth). This effectively creates a Dmaj9sus4 or Dmaj7#11 type of voicing, offering a bright, somewhat ethereal, and complex harmonic quality.

Open Chord Possibilities:

• Open D5: Strumming strings 6, 5, and 4 (D-A-D) yields a foundational and powerful D5 chord, perfect for heavy riffs.
• Open Dsus4: Including the G string (D-A-D-G) creates a Dsus4, giving a sense of suspension that can beautifully resolve or hang for an evocative sound.
• Unique Voicings: The combination of G, C#, and E on strings 3, 2, and 1 presents interesting melodic and harmonic opportunities. The interval between G and C# is an augmented fourth (a tritone), which is highly expressive and can be leveraged for blues, jazz, or progressive sounds. Experiment with barres or partial chords around these strings to uncover distinctive major 7th or augmented qualities.
• Familiar Shapes: While some standard chord shapes will need rethinking, basic intervals on strings 5-4-3 and 1 will remain consistent with standard tuning, allowing for some transferable fingerings.

How to Tune

To transition your guitar from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning to DADGC#E, follow these precise string movements:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2. This is a moderate downward adjustment, well within safe limits for a standard gauge string.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones from B to C#5. This is a moderate upward adjustment. While within safe limits, always tune up slowly and carefully to avoid string breakage. A different gauge string is not strictly necessary for this small increase, but caution is advised.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E4.

Always use a reliable electronic tuner and recheck your intonation after changing tunings, especially with significant alterations to string tension.

Tuning Notes (from thickest to thinnest string)

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: C#5
• 1st String: E4