The "DDADAD" tuning is a powerful and resonant open tuning for the guitar, famously associated with atmospheric and folk-influenced sounds, such as those found in "Silver for Monsters" by Percival from The Witcher 3 soundtrack. This tuning creates a deep, drone-like quality, making it excellent for creating expansive soundscapes, percussive rhythms, and melodic lines that stand out.

Technical Analysis

In this tuning, the strings are set to D2 D3 A2 D3 A3 D4 (from low E to high E string). This arrangement is essentially a D5 power chord spread across multiple octaves across the entire instrument. The predominant notes are D and A, creating a very strong tonic and dominant relationship.

• The lowest two strings are tuned to D an octave apart (D2 and D3), providing a massive low-end foundation.
• The fourth string (A2) forms a perfect fourth interval with the third string (D3) when strummed together (A to D).
• The top three strings (D3 A3 D4) are spaced in perfect fourths (D-A) and a perfect fourth (A-D) respectively, creating a consistent interval structure that is easy to navigate melodically and harmonically.

Open Chords and Playability

• Open Tuning Chord: Striking all open strings produces a rich, resonant D5 (Power Chord). This makes it ideal for songs centered around the key of D, offering a natural and full sound without fretting.
• Barre Chords: Due to the repeating D and A notes, a single finger barre across any fret will easily create a power chord. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret will yield an E5, and at the 3rd fret, an F5. This simplifies rhythm playing significantly for certain styles.
• Accessible Chords: While primarily a D5 tuning, adding the third (F# for D major, or F for D minor) is still achievable with specific finger placements. The consistent perfect fourth intervals on the higher strings allow for intuitive chord voicings and melodic patterns, enabling players to explore various harmonic textures within the D and A tonal centers. This tuning is particularly well-suited for slide guitar, drone music, and heavy, percussive riffs, leveraging its strong fundamental tones and open string resonance.

Tuning Notes

The target notes for this DDADAD tuning are:

• 6th String (Low E): D2
• 5th String (A): D3
• 4th String (D): A2
• 3rd String (G): D3
• 2nd String (B): A3
• 1st String (High E): D4

How to Tune to DDADAD (from Standard EADGBe)

Please note the advised care for strings with significant semitone changes. Movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down may require a different string gauge for optimal performance and to prevent string breakage or excess tension.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 5 semitones to D3. Caution: This is a significant tuning change (5 semitones up). Consider a lighter gauge string if this tuning is used frequently to reduce tension and improve playability.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: This is a significant tuning change (5 semitones down). Consider a heavier gauge string if this tuning is used frequently to maintain adequate tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: This is a significant tuning change (5 semitones down). Consider a heavier gauge string if this tuning is used frequently to maintain adequate tension and tone.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.