DADGDE Tuning: A Powerful, Open Sound

The DADGDE tuning is a fascinating and sonically rich variation, primarily known for its use by the influential band Helmet in their song "Sinatra." It builds upon the popular Drop D foundation but introduces a unique twist by raising the B string, resulting in a distinct open chord and a versatile palette for heavy riffs and melodic textures.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, DADGDE takes the familiar Drop D (DADGBe) and modifies the B string. The low E string is tuned down a whole step to D, providing a common foundation for heavy power chords and a full, resonant bass. The B string is then tuned up a minor third (3 semitones) to D, creating a unison with the 4th string (D) and an octave with the open 6th string (D). This creates a powerful, layered D drone effect when played open. The remaining strings (A, D, G, and high E) stay in their standard positions, offering familiar reference points amidst the altered low and mid-range.

This tuning has a naturally dark and heavy character, but the open high D and E strings can also lend themselves to bright, ringing arpeggios or dissonant melodic lines. It’s perfect for chunky, detuned riffs, but also opens up possibilities for suspended chords and unique harmonic voicings due to the multiple open D notes.

Technical Analysis & Chord Possibilities

The open strings of DADGDE are D2 A2 D3 G3 D4 E4. Let's break down the harmonic implications:

• Open Power Chord/Drone: The bottom three strings (D-A-D) immediately form a powerful D5 power chord. This makes one-finger barres for power chords incredibly easy across these strings (e.g., barring all three at the 3rd fret gives an F5 power chord).
• Open Dsus4(add9): When all strings are strummed open (D-A-D-G-D-E), the resulting chord is a rich Dsus4(add9) (D, A, D, G, D, E). This provides a full, expansive sound with both the perfect fourth (G) and the major ninth (E) in relation to the root D, creating a complex but harmonious open voicing.
• Easy Open Chords:
  • D Chords: Any D chord shape on the top three strings (G, D, E) can be easily combined with the open D-A-D bass. For example, a standard open G chord shape (3rd fret low E, 2nd fret A) would now be a G/D with the open low D.
  • Barre Chords: The D-A-D-G-D configuration across strings 6-2 makes many barre chord shapes accessible. A full barre across all strings at any fret will yield a complex sus4add9 chord, but often useful for rhythmic parts. A simpler barre across the bottom three or four strings will produce powerful root-fifth-root power chords.
  • Unique Voicings: The raised B string to D provides unique drone opportunities and allows for interesting fingerings. For instance, you can easily fret a chord shape on the top three strings while letting the low D-A-D drone.
• Musical Context: As mentioned in the tuning description, Helmet used this tuning for their song "Sinatra," showcasing its potential for aggressive, percussive riffs. The description also notes that they sometimes played it a step down live (CGCFCD), indicating its versatility for further detuning to achieve even lower, heavier tones while maintaining the inherent harmonic relationships.

DADGDE Tuning Notes

Here are the notes for each string in DADGDE tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: D4
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune to DADGDE

To switch your guitar from standard EADGBe tuning to DADGDE, follow these specific adjustments for each string:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B to D4. Please exercise caution when tuning up strings, especially if you have an older instrument or lighter gauge strings, as increased tension can be a risk.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: Adjusting strings by more than 4 semitones up or down (e.g., -5 or +5) often requires a different gauge of string to maintain proper tension and prevent damage to your instrument or strings. In this tuning, the maximum change is 3 semitones up on the 2nd string and 2 semitones down on the 6th string, which generally falls within safe limits for standard gauge strings, though caution is always advised when tuning up.