This unique 4-string tuning, initially described by its creator as being used on a guitar with the top two strings broken, offers a distinctive sonic landscape designed for a specific creative approach. The tuning's original name "4 string drop d with tritone" hints at its core elements, specifically the low D and the characteristic tritone interval.

Verbal Analysis

At its heart, this tuning establishes a powerful D5 chord (D-A-D) across its lower three strings, providing a strong, resonant foundation perfect for heavy riffs or driving rhythms. However, the true character emerges with the highest string, tuned to G#. This G# creates a striking tritone interval with the open D strings, introducing a sharp dissonance that can evoke tension, mystery, or a raw, bluesy/jazzy edge. It's a tuning that encourages experimental playing, leaning into the clash between the stable D5 and the edgy G#.

Open chords based on this tuning include a Dsus4# (D-G#-A-D). By simply fretting the G# down to G on the first string, one can achieve a Dsus4 chord, or even a D major by fretting to F#. The low D provides a guttural base, while the tritone ensures that any melodic lines or simple chord shapes will possess a unique, sometimes unsettling, but always interesting harmonic color.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar (specifically a 4-string configuration).
• Tuning Notes: The open strings are D2, A2, D3, G4# (from lowest to highest pitch).
• Interval Structure:
  • String 4 (D2) to String 3 (A2): Perfect Fifth (7 semitones)
  • String 3 (A2) to String 2 (D3): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
  • String 2 (D3) to String 1 (G4#): Augmented Fourth / Tritone (6 semitones)
• This creates a clear D5 power chord on the lower three strings (root-fifth-octave), with the highest string providing an augmented fourth (tritone) above the root D. This specific interval is the defining characteristic of the tuning, lending it its unique harmonic tension.

How to Tune

To achieve the DADG# Tritone tuning, follow these specific instructions for each string:

• String 4 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• String 3 (A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at A2.
• String 2 (D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remaining at D3.
• String 1 (G4#): Tune up 1 semitones to reach G4#.

Important Note on String Gauge: While the adjustments for this particular tuning are relatively minor, it's generally good practice to exercise care when tuning strings up by 3 or 4 semitones. When tuning movements exceed negative 4 semitones (down a major third or more) or positive 4 semitones (up a major third or more), considering a different string gauge is advised to maintain optimal string tension, playability, and to prevent potential string breakage or excessive floppiness.

• String 4: D2 (Lowest string, a low D)
• String 3: A2 (A note in the second octave)
• String 2: D3 (D note in the third octave)
• String 1: G4# (Highest string, a G sharp in the fourth octave)