Tuning Analysis: Beabadoobee's Open D-Ascent

This unique tuning, famously utilized by Beabadoobee for her song "Apple Cider," presents a vibrant and distinctive take on the Open D Major framework. It's a tuning that balances familiar roots with an unexpected, bright harmonic twist, creating a sound that is both resonant and strikingly clear.

Verbal Analysis

"Beabadoobee's Open D-Ascent" takes the foundational D Major chord and elevates it with an unusually high F# on the fourth string. This gives the tuning a bright, almost shimmering quality, making it ideal for arpeggiated melodies and open, resonant strumming. The lower strings provide a solid, rich D power chord foundation, while the higher strings weave in the major tonality with a distinctive, airy voicing. It feels both expansive and intimately voiced, perfect for creating atmospheric soundscapes or cutting through a mix with clear, bell-like tones. The wide range of notes, from the low D2 to the high F4#, allows for a diverse sonic palette.

Technical Analysis

The tuning is precisely D2-A2-F4#-D3-A3-D4. Let's break down its harmonic characteristics:

• Overall Structure: When strummed open, this tuning produces a full and resonant D Major chord (D, F#, A). The repeated D and A notes across different octaves contribute to its richness.
• String Voicings: The low D2 and A2 provide a powerful root and fifth foundation. The most distinctive feature is the F4# on the 4th string; positioned two octaves above the low D2 and an octave above a more conventional F#3, it creates a very prominent and bright major third that defines the tuning's character. The D3, A3, and D4 strings further reinforce the D Major chord in higher registers.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Open D Major: The entire open tuning forms a D Major chord, making it extremely easy to achieve a full, vibrant sound without fretting.
  • Power Chords: Simple barre shapes on the 6th and 5th strings will easily yield powerful 5th chords (e.g., fretting 2nd fret on 6th & 5th strings gives E5).
  • Unique Voicings: The unique arrangement, especially the F4#, encourages exploration of non-standard fingerings and voicings. Sliding barre chords up the neck will primarily maintain the D major tonality, but with the distinct high F# as a defining voice.
  • Melodic Opportunities: The distinct F4# makes it particularly suited for melodic lines and arpeggios that emphasize the major third in a bright, soaring manner. Experiment with droning the low D and A strings while playing melodies on the higher strings.
• Challenges: Standard chord shapes will require significant re-learning due to the drastic changes from standard tuning, particularly the extremely raised 4th string and lowered 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings. This tuning rewards experimentation and a willingness to step outside traditional fingerboard patterns.

Tuning Notes & How to Tune

Final Tuning Notes

The target notes for this tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string, are:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: F4#
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4

How to Tune from Standard EADGBe

To achieve "Beabadoobee's Open D-Ascent" from standard tuning (E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4), follow these specific string adjustments. Please note the recommendations regarding string gauge for significant pitch changes.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2 to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 4 semitones from D3 to F#3. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones is a significant change. Consider using a lighter gauge string to reduce tension, although standard gauges can often handle this with care.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. Recommendation: This is a considerable drop in pitch. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Always tune carefully and check your guitar's intonation after making significant tuning changes.