The DAFDAD tuning, also known as "Crow Tuning," is a distinctive open tuning designed for the Guitar. It's notably associated with Jin San Kim's piece "Crow," as mentioned in its description. This tuning offers a deep, resonant sound, often favored for ambient, folk, or experimental music due to its unique harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This is a variation of an open D tuning, specifically an Open D Minor tuning. When all strings are strummed open, they collectively produce a rich D minor chord (D-A-F-D-A-D). The arrangement of notes (D2 A2 F3 D3 A3 D4) emphasizes the root (D) on the 6th, 3rd, and 1st strings, the perfect fifth (A) on the 5th and 2nd strings, and the minor third (F) on the 4th string.

The low D and A provide a powerful foundational drone, while the higher D and A add brightness and resonance. The F3 on the 4th string is crucial in establishing the minor tonality. This tuning creates a dark, melancholic, yet often very full soundscape, perfect for sustained chords and droning textures and is particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing to bring out its resonant qualities.

Chordal Opportunities

Beyond the inherent open D minor chord, this tuning facilitates easy access to various voicings:

• Major Chords: By simply raising the F (4th string) by one semitone to F# (e.g., fretting the 4th string at the 1st fret), you can achieve an open D Major chord (D-A-F#-D-A-D).
• Power Chords: The adjacent D and A strings (6th-5th, 3rd-2nd) make it easy to form power chords across different registers by barring across these pairs, creating powerful, resonant sounds.
• Drone Chords: The repeated D and A notes across octaves allow for powerful drone effects, especially when playing melodies or moving chords on the higher strings while keeping the lower strings ringing.
• Barre Chords: While traditional barre chord shapes will need significant adjustment, a simple barre across all six strings at any fret will yield a minor chord based on that fret's note on the 6th string (e.g., barre at the 2nd fret yields an E minor chord).

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the DAFDAD tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully follow these string adjustments:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. If you frequently use this tuning, a different gauge string may be advisable for optimal tension and sound.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Please note: Extreme changes (more than 4 semitones up or down) can significantly affect string tension, intonation, and in rare cases, guitar neck stability. Consider using a different string gauge if movements exceed these recommendations for frequent or prolonged use to ensure the longevity of your strings and instrument.

6th String: D2
5th String: A2
4th String: F3
3rd String: D3
2nd String: A3
1st String: D4