The D-A-G-D-C-E tuning, derived from its unique sequence of open notes, is a highly distinctive and expressive guitar tuning. It dramatically alters the harmonic landscape of the instrument, moving away from standard conventions to create a sound that is both resonant and harmonically rich. This tuning is particularly well-suited for styles that benefit from open, sustained chords, drone-like textures, and a modal feel, such as folk, ambient, contemporary acoustic, or experimental music.

Technical Analysis

• Overall Structure: From the lowest to highest string, the tuning is D2-A2-G2-D3-C4-E4. This arrangement features a unique blend of perfect intervals, seconds, and thirds, creating a complex and evocative open chord.
• Bass Foundation: The 6th (D2) and 5th (A2) strings form a strong perfect fifth, providing a resonant and stable bass foundation. This allows for powerful low-end drones and open string patterns.
• Suspended Harmonies: The lower four strings (D2-A2-G2-D3) contain notes that strongly suggest a Dsus4 chord (D-G-A) or a G major chord (G-D) with the D as the root. The open G2 on the 4th string against the D2 and A2 creates a beautiful, open suspended quality.
• Open Chord Voicing: When strummed open, the full tuning (D-A-G-D-C-E) creates a rich and unique chord. This voicing can be interpreted in several ways, most prominently as a D7sus4(add9) chord (containing D, G, A, C, E) or a variation of a Gmaj9/D. The presence of both C and E in the upper strings, alongside the D and G, offers a slightly dissonant yet captivating 'cluster' sound.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • The open strings themselves are a powerful, full-bodied chord, perfect for rhythmic accompaniment or arpeggiated melodic ideas.
  • Simple one-finger barres across the lower strings can easily yield various Dsus or G-based chord shapes, offering new harmonic pathways.
  • The intervals in the upper strings (D3-C4: major second; C4-E4: major third) invite the exploration of unique melodic lines and arpeggios with a distinct, often melancholic or yearning character.
  • Power chords on the lower D and A strings are readily accessible and provide a driving low end.

How to Tune

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please proceed with caution, especially for strings requiring large pitch changes. As a general guideline, if a string needs to be tuned up or down by more than 4 semitones, considering a different gauge string is advisable to minimize stress on the string and guitar, improve intonation, and prevent breakage.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. This is a moderate and generally safe adjustment.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2. This string remains at its standard pitch.
• 4th String (D): Caution: Tune down 7 semitones to G2. This is a very significant drop in pitch, making the string considerably looser than standard. For frequent use, a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended to maintain playability and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Caution: Tune down 5 semitones to D3. This is also a substantial drop in pitch. Similar to the 4th string, a heavier gauge string may be beneficial if this tuning is used regularly.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4. This is a minor upward adjustment. Always tune up slowly and carefully.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4. This string remains at its standard pitch.