Tuning Analysis: A sus4/D

This is a deeply resonant and versatile open tuning for the Guitar, providing a rich sonic landscape particularly suited for drone-based music, ambient textures, and folk styles. As the name suggests, the open strings immediately present an A sus4 chord over a D bass. More technically, the open strings sound out D2 E2 A2 E3 A3 D4.

As noted in its description, this tuning beautifully exposes a D sus2 chord (D-E-A) across multiple octaves, giving it a very open and bright yet grounded feel. Furthermore, an E7 sus4 chord (E-A-D) is clearly present, offering a bluesy or modal flavor. The repeated D and A notes across various octaves create a natural, expansive drone that makes chord voicings incredibly lush and easy to achieve with minimal fretting.

Chord shapes will feel intuitive for open D or A positions. Power chords on D and A will be readily available and sound massive. The suspended qualities provided by the E notes mean that major or minor harmonies can be easily introduced by fretting just one or two notes, often transforming the suspended sound into something more definitive. This tuning is excellent for slide guitar, fingerpicking patterns that emphasize open strings, and creating expansive, ethereal soundscapes.

How to Tune Your Guitar to A sus4/D

To achieve this distinctive tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings as follows from standard EADGBe tuning:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A to E. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension. For optimal playability and tone, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones from D to A. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension. For optimal playability and tone, consider using a heavier gauge string for this position.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D.

Always tune carefully and ensure your instrument is properly set up for alternative tunings, especially when making large adjustments to string tension.

String 6: D2 (Low D)

String 5: E2 (Mid E)

String 4: A2 (Low A)

String 3: E3 (Mid E)

String 2: A3 (Mid A)

String 1: D4 (High D)