The DAEABE tuning, famously associated with the intricate and atmospheric soundscapes of bands like American Football, particularly evoking the mood of their 'Instincts Are The Enemy' era, offers a rich and expansive palette for guitarists. This tuning transforms the guitar into an instrument capable of producing shimmering arpeggios, resonant open chords, and unique melodic lines that evoke a sense of introspection and space.

Technical Analysis:

This is an open tuning with the notes from low to high: D0, A0, E1, A1, B2, E3. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest D string, the tuning presents a unique harmonic landscape:

• The 6th string (D0) and 5th string (A0) form a perfect fifth.
• The 5th string (A0) and 4th string (E1) form a perfect fifth.
• The 4th string (E1) and 3rd string (A1) form a perfect fourth.
• The 3rd string (A1) and 2nd string (B2) form a major second.
• The 2nd string (B2) and 1st string (E3) form a perfect fourth.

When strummed open, the tuning rings out with the notes D, A, E, B (with octave doublings of D, A, E). This creates a rich, ambiguous sound that can be interpreted as a Dsus2sus4add6 or Dadd9add4. The repeated A and E notes across different octaves add significant resonance and sustain, making it ideal for fingerstyle passages and slow, evolving chord progressions. The open voicing leans towards a slightly melancholic yet expansive feel, characteristic of math rock and emo revival genres.

Open Chords and Accessibility:

The DAEABE tuning naturally lends itself to open string drone notes and allows for striking chord voicings with minimal fretting. Simply strumming all open strings produces a beautiful, resonant chord (D, A, E, B). Moving a single finger across a fret can easily create variations. For example, barring a fret across the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th strings can produce interesting suspended or major/minor chords with the open D and A bass notes. The high E and B strings remain accessible for melodic development, contrasting nicely with the lower, open-voiced tones. Simple two-finger shapes or one-finger barres across the middle strings can unlock a wide array of chords, often with open string extensions providing unique color. Power chords on the lower D-A-E strings are readily available, offering a solid rhythmic foundation when needed.

How to Tune:

To achieve the DAEABE tuning, carefully adjust each string according to the following movements. Remember to always tune up to a note if possible to ensure tuning stability.

• 6th String (Low D0): Tune down 11 semitones.
• 5th String (A0): Tune down 9 semitones.
• 4th String (E1): Tune down 7 semitones.
• 3rd String (A1): Tune down 7 semitones.
• 2nd String (B2): Tune up 2 semitones.
• 1st String (High E3): Tune up 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: Please exercise caution when making significant tuning changes. Tuning a string down by more than 4 semitones (or up by more than 4 semitones) may require a different string gauge to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. The significant drops for the lower strings in this tuning strongly suggest considering a heavier gauge set for optimal playability and intonation.

The notes for the DAEABE tuning, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string, are as follows:

• 6th String: D0
• 5th String: A0
• 4th String: E1
• 3rd String: A1
• 2nd String: B2
• 1st String: E3