The "mitchgrade d" tuning for Guitar is an intriguing variation of a Dropped D tuning, designed to offer a rich, resonant soundscape. As described in its original context, it's an "alternate d dropped mitchgrade tuning, alternated by mt," suggesting a unique and personalized approach to D-based open tunings. This configuration creates a powerful, full-bodied sound, particularly well-suited for genres like rock, metal, folk, and blues, where open strings and drones are highly effective. The multiple D notes across the fretboard provide a natural resonance and harmonic depth that can inspire new melodic and harmonic ideas.

Technical Analysis

• Overall Structure: The tuning is D2-A2-D3-G3-D4-D4 (from low to high). This establishes a root-fifth-root-fourth-root-root relationship, which is characteristic of open D tunings but with a distinctive voicing on the higher strings.
• Low End Power: The lowest three strings (D2-A2-D3) form an open D5 power chord, providing a solid foundation for heavy riffs, strong bass lines, and a deep, resonant tone. This is a common and highly effective feature in Dropped D and Open D tunings, making power chords incredibly easy to play by simply barring across these strings.
• Harmonic Richness: The presence of three distinct D notes (D2, D3, and two D4s) across the tuning creates a strong, enveloping D drone. The open G string (G3) acts as a suspended 4th or 11th, adding a haunting, longing, or slightly dissonant yet beautiful quality to the open sound.
• Unison & Octave Voicings: Strings 4, 2, and 1 are all tuned to D (D3, D4, D4), offering excellent opportunities for unison bends, octave playing, and creating incredibly thick, ringing voicings when strummed open. The D4 on both the 2nd and 1st strings is particularly noteworthy, allowing for strong melodic unisons or powerful octave effects with a single finger.
• Open Chord Sound: When strummed open, the tuning (D-A-D-G-D-D) creates a Dsus4 sound, specifically a Dsus4(add9) or Dsus2/4 depending on how one perceives the G (4th) and A (5th/9th). It's a rich, open sound that leans towards modal and ambient textures, offering a sense of openness and possibility.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

• Open Dsus4: Strumming all strings open yields a powerful Dsus4 chord (D-A-D-G-D-D). Muting the G string transforms it into a massive D5 power chord (D-A-D-D-D-D), perfect for heavy rock and drone-based music.
• Easy Power Chords: By simply barring across the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings at any fret, you can easily create movable root-fifth-root power chords. For example, barring at the 5th fret gives you a G5 (G-D-G). Barring across all six strings provides a rich, suspended sound; barring at the 5th fret would yield a Gsus4 (G-D-G-C-G-G).
• Slide Guitar Potential: The open D-A-D-G-D-D structure is highly conducive to slide guitar playing, allowing for sweeping major or minor chords with a single bar across the fretboard. A simple bar at the 2nd fret yields an Esus4 chord, and at the 7th fret, an Asus4.
• Drone Applications: The open D and A strings make excellent drone notes, perfect for folk, world music, or atmospheric soundscapes, providing a continuous harmonic backdrop.

How to Tune (Standard EADGBe Reference)

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Important Tuning Note: Please exercise caution when tuning the String 2 (B) up 3 semitones to D4. While this does not exceed the general guideline of 4 semitones for standard string gauges, significant upward tension changes can place strain on strings and potentially the guitar neck. Always tune slowly and check your intonation. For tunings requiring movements greater than 4 semitones up or down, considering a different gauge string set is generally advised to maintain optimal playability and guitar health.