Verbal Analysis

This vibrant tuning, which we've named "Joni's G/D Tuning", offers a bright and expansive sound, perfectly suited for open strumming and intricate fingerstyle. It evokes a sense of folk and blues, providing a rich sonic tapestry with a distinctive voice. As its name suggests and the source description indicates, it is based on one of Joni Mitchell's characteristic tunings, specifically her 'CACFAC' tuning, moved up two semitones across all strings. Joni used her original tuning in songs like 'Refuge of the Roads', and this 'plus two' variant extends that rich harmonic landscape. The open strings resonate beautifully, creating natural drones and allowing for lush chordal textures with minimal fretting.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D1 - B1 - D2 - G2 - B2 - D3 (from low E to high E string). This configuration forms a G Major chord over a D bass (G/D). The intervals from the lowest D string are:

• 6th String (D1): Root (D)
• 5th String (B1): Major 6th (B)
• 4th String (D2): Octave (D)
• 3rd String (G2): Perfect 4th (G)
• 2nd String (B2): Major 6th (B)
• 1st String (D3): Octave (D)

The presence of the G (perfect 4th from D) creates a suspended quality (Dsus4), while the B (major 6th from D) adds a rich harmonic extension, resulting in a D6sus4 sound, or more simply, a G major triad (G-B-D) with the D as the lowest note. This tuning is excellent for exploring keys related to D major and G major, offering easy access to open voicings.

Accessible Chords

• Open Strum: A full G/D chord (G major with D in the bass). This is your primary open chord.
• Barre Chords: By simply barring across all six strings at any fret, you create transposed G/D chords. For example, barring at the 2nd fret yields A/E, and at the 5th fret, C/G. This makes transposing very straightforward.
• Partial Chords: Experiment with holding down just one or two strings to create power chords or open voicings. The duplicate D's and B's offer rich resonance and sustain. For instance, playing strings 4, 3, 2 open (D-G-B) gives you a G major triad.

Tuning Notes (From Low to High String)

• 6th String: D1
• 5th String: B1
• 4th String: D2
• 3rd String: G2
• 2nd String: B2
• 1st String: D3

How to Tune

To achieve "Joni's G/D Tuning," adjust your strings according to the following movements. Remember to tune carefully and be mindful of string tension. The instructions below describe the movement from an assumed starting point to the target note.

• 6th String (Target D1): Tune up 1 semitone.
• 5th String (Target B1): Tune up 5 semitones.
  Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant increase in tension. Consider using a lighter gauge string for this string to avoid breakage or neck damage.
• 4th String (Target D2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• 3rd String (Target G2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• 2nd String (Target B2): Tune up 2 semitones.
• 1st String (Target D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

Always use a reliable tuner and ensure your guitar's neck relief is checked regularly when experimenting with alternative tunings, especially those with significant string tension changes.