Tuning Analysis: DADGGE

The DADGGE tuning, applied to a standard Guitar, is an imaginative and highly resonant setup. It draws inspiration from the familiar Drop D tuning, providing a robust low end, but then introduces a distinctive character with a doubled G string in the middle register. This creates a soundscape that is both heavy and harmonically rich, offering a unique textural quality that sets it apart.

Verbal Analysis

At its core, DADGGE feels like a powerful and expressive evolution of Drop D. The lowest D string immediately establishes a deep, driving foundation, making it ideal for heavy riffs, drone notes, and open, ringing bass lines. However, the most striking feature is undoubtedly the two G strings positioned side-by-side. This unison creates a wonderfully thick and resonant G sound, adding a natural chorus-like effect or a 12-string guitar shimmer without the need for additional effects. It’s a tuning that truly encourages open string resonance, lending itself beautifully to both aggressive, riff-based playing and intricate fingerstyle with its shimmering middle voices. The high E string remains in its standard position, offering a familiar reference point for melodies and upper harmony.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes: From low to high, the tuning is D2-A2-D3-G3-G3-E4.
• Low End Power: The lowest three strings (D2-A2-D3) inherently form a perfect D5 power chord. This configuration allows for incredibly easy and powerful low-end riffing simply by barring across these strings, similar to standard Drop D applications but with an enhanced sense of resonance due to the surrounding open notes.
• Doubled G Resonance: The unison G3-G3 on the 3rd and 2nd strings is the signature element of this tuning. This pairing creates a full, ringing G note that can serve as a strong drone, a rich harmonic anchor, or provide a unique textural layer. When combined with the D-A-D on the lower strings, the open strings naturally outline a Dsus4 chord (D-A-D-G-G). The high E adds a Dadd9/sus4 flavor or a vibrant 9th to a D-based tonality, expanding its harmonic potential.
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open D5: Strings 6, 5, and 4 (D-A-D) instantly provide a powerful, ringing D5 chord.
  • Open G Chord Voicings: While not a full open G major (G-B-D) in a traditional E standard shape, the D-G-G on strings 4, 3, and 2 provides very strong G major chord tones. By barring at the 5th fret across strings 6-4, you can achieve a G5 (G-D-G), where the open G-G strings will naturally resonate. Fret the 5th string at the 2nd fret (B) to create a very rich and full G major voicing across strings 5-1 (B-D-G-G-E).
  • Suspended & Drone Chords: The inherent D-A-D-G-G structure lends itself exceptionally well to suspended chords (like Dsus4 or Gsus2) and drone-based musical passages, where the open G strings can sustain beautifully.
  • Modal Playing: This tuning is particularly fantastic for scales such as D Mixolydian or D Dorian, leveraging the open D and G strings as natural points of resonance and tonality.

How to Tune

To achieve the DADGGE tuning from standard E Standard (EADGBe) on your Guitar, follow these steps carefully:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. This creates the characteristic deep, low drone.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Caution: This is a significant drop in pitch. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, it is strongly advised to consider using a heavier gauge string for your 2nd string to maintain proper tension, intonation, and tone, as a standard B string might feel too loose.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4.

Here's a detailed breakdown of each string's tuning in DADGGE:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned down 2 semitones from its standard E2 to D2. This provides a deep, resonant bass foundation, similar to Drop D.
• String 5 (A): Remains at its standard A2, acting as the perfect fifth to the low D.
• String 4 (D): Remains at its standard D3, serving as the primary root note of the tuning.
• String 3 (G): Remains at its standard G3, creating a strong perfect fourth interval above the 4th string's D.
• String 2 (B): Tuned down 4 semitones from its standard B3 to G3. This creates a powerful unison with the 3rd string, significantly enriching and thickening the G sound.
• String 1 (High E): Remains at its standard E4, offering a familiar melodic range and adding a bright upper harmony, effectively a ninth above the tuning's D root.