Tuning Analysis: deadaf (dead as f*ck)

The "deadaf" tuning, as its provocative name suggests, is an extremely experimental and unconventional setup for the guitar. It ventures far from standard EADGBe, crafting a unique soundscape that is both stark and potentially very evocative. This tuning seems ideally suited for exploring dissonant textures, heavy, low-end rumbles, or ethereal, wide-voiced ambient soundscapes.

Technical Breakdown:

The open strings are tuned to D2 E2 A2 D3 A3 F4. Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, this involves significant downward adjustments for most strings, and a slight upward adjustment for the highest string.

• Low E String (6th) is dropped by 2 semitones to D2.
• A String (5th) is dropped a significant 5 semitones to E2.
• D String (4th) is dropped a significant 5 semitones to A2.
• G String (3rd) is dropped a significant 5 semitones to D3.
• B String (2nd) is dropped by 2 semitones to A3.
• High E String (1st) is raised by 1 semitone to F4.

Analysing the intervals from the lowest D2: E2 is a Major 2nd, A2 is a Perfect 5th, D3 is an Octave, A3 is a Perfect 5th (one octave higher than A2), and F4 is a Minor 3rd above D3 (or a Minor 6th above A3). This creates a D minor type of sound, specifically a D minor (add9) chord (D-F-A-E) if played across all strings, although the E is low on the 5th string and the F is high on the 1st string. The presence of the low E2 (M2 from D) adds a distinct color, moving away from a simple power chord or open major/minor voicing.

Chordal and Sonic Implications:

• Open D minor (add9) Voicing: Strumming all open strings produces a rich, dark D minor sound with an added 9th (E). This is not a common or simple open chord, but rather a sophisticated voicing.
• Power Chords: The adjacent D2-A2 (strings 6 & 4) and D3-A3 (strings 3 & 2) offer convenient perfect fifths for heavy power chords. The D-A-D-A sequence across strings 6, 4, 3, 2 provides a solid foundation for D5 power chords or even Dsus2 (if omitting the F on string 1).
• Dissonance and Drone: The close interval of a Major 2nd between the lowest D2 and E2 strings, combined with the wide intervals further up, lends itself to drone-based music or more experimental, dissonant compositions. The high F4 can create interesting tension against the lower D and A notes.
• Reachability: Due to the spread-out nature of the D minor (add9) components, finding simple major or minor triads will require specific fingerings. However, the consistent D-A intervals across multiple strings might make certain inversions of Dm or D5 chords more accessible with fewer fingers. Barre chords will likely take on unique voicings due to the varied intervals between strings.

How to Tune:

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe. Please use a reliable tuner and proceed with caution, especially with the larger downward adjustments.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Caution: A change of 5 semitones is substantial. For optimal performance, especially if frequently changing tunings, consider lighter gauge strings if you plan to keep this tuning for extended periods to avoid excessive slack, or a heavier gauge for string stability.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: A change of 5 semitones is substantial. Consider string gauge adjustments.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: A change of 5 semitones is substantial. Consider string gauge adjustments.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune up 1 semitone to F4.

The extreme string movements (especially -5 semitones) on strings 5, 4, and 3 mean that these strings will be significantly slacker than in standard tuning, which might affect playability and intonation. For optimal performance and string longevity, consider using different gauge strings: heavier gauges for strings tuned down significantly to maintain tension, or lighter gauges if tuning up to prevent excessive tension.

6th String: D2
5th String: E2
4th String: A2
3rd String: D3
2nd String: A3
1st String: F4