Verbal Analysis

This unique guitar tuning, famously used by José González in his song "The Nest," offers a captivating blend of deep resonance and bright, ethereal tones. With a dropped D on the lowest string, it establishes a solid, drone-like foundation, characteristic of many ambient and folk-inspired tunings. This setup encourages a fingerstyle approach, allowing the open strings to ring out and create rich, textural soundscapes. The particular arrangement of notes, especially the bright F#4 on the third string, moves away from conventional patterns, inviting players to explore fresh harmonic and melodic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is **D2 A2 E3 F#4 B3 E4**. Here's how it compares to standard EADGBe tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned down a full step to D2.
• String 5 (A): Remains at standard pitch, A2.
• String 4 (D): Tuned up a full step to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tuned to F#4. (Note: This is a very high pitch, placing it over an octave higher than standard G3, and creates significant tension for a typical G string. It also creates an unusual interval relationship with the adjacent strings.)
• String 2 (B): Remains at standard pitch, B3.
• String 1 (High E): Remains at standard pitch, E4.

Open String Intervals (low to high):

• D2 - A2: Perfect 5th (P5)
• A2 - E3: Perfect 5th (P5)
• E3 - F#4: Compound Major 2nd (M9, or 14 semitones up). This is a very wide interval, with F#4 being significantly higher than E3.
• F#4 - B3: Descending Minor 6th (m6 down, or 7 semitones down). This creates an unusual inversion where the 2nd string (B3) is lower in pitch than the 3rd string (F#4).
• B3 - E4: Perfect 4th (P4)

Harmonic Implications & Open Chords

The lowest three strings (D2-A2-E3) immediately establish a powerful open D5 voicing (D-A-E represent the root, 5th, and 9th/2nd respectively). When all open strings (D-A-E-F#-B-E) are strummed, they form a rich D Major 6/9 chord (containing D, E, F#, A, B). This makes the tuning excellent for drone work, ambient textures, and creating full, resonant harmonies with minimal effort.

The distinct high F#4 on the third string provides a unique, piercing quality, while its inversion with the lower B3 on the second string opens up interesting internal voice leading opportunities. While conventional chord shapes will require adaptation due to the altered strings, the inherent harmonic beauty of the open tuning offers a strong foundation for new melodic and chordal explorations.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the DAEF#BE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to **D2**.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains **A2**.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to **E3**.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to **F#3**.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains **B3**.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains **E4**.

Important Note: While none of the individual string movements in this specific tuning exceed the threshold of -4 or +4 semitones (indicating moderate tension changes), generally, tuning a string up or down by more than 4 semitones from its standard pitch may require a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability, maintain proper intonation, and avoid excessive string tension or looseness that could damage your instrument or string.

String 6: D2

String 5: A2

String 4: E3

String 3: F#4

String 2: B3

String 1: E4