The KING DEDEDE Tuning: A Droning, Experimental Landscape

The "KING DEDEDE" tuning for guitar is a unique and highly unconventional setup, notable for its creative naming based on the open string notes. As the original description suggests, the open strings literally spell out D-E-D-E-D-E across the instrument, offering a distinctive and perhaps playful approach to guitar tuning.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning is not designed for traditional chord shapes but instead leans into a droning, almost percussive quality due to the repeating D and E notes across three octaves. The interplay of these two notes creates a constant, resonant foundation that could be particularly inspiring for experimental music, ambient soundscapes, or compositions that focus on melodic lines and sustained tones over conventional harmony. The wide intervals between certain strings (like E2 to D3, and E3 to D4) suggest a spacious, almost ethereal sound.

When played open, the strings D-E-D-E-D-E do not form a standard major or minor chord. Instead, they create a rich, resonant cluster of D and E notes, which can be interpreted as an Em7(add D) or a Dsus2/E tonality. This inherent ambiguity and lack of a traditional open chord encourages exploration beyond conventional harmony. Barre chords would yield interesting, often dissonant but evocative, voicings, moving away from standard major/minor sounds. For example, a barre across all strings at the second fret would produce the notes E-F#-E-F#-E-F#, creating an intriguing sound that hints at E Dorian or an E power chord with an added ninth. This tuning is well-suited for techniques like fingerpicking to highlight the individual drones, slide playing to exploit the consistent intervals, or creating heavy, resonant riffs.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are configured as follows:

• 6th String: D2 (lowest note)
• 5th String: E2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: D4
• 1st String: E4 (highest note)

This arrangement results in a repeating interval pattern from low to high:

• D2 to E2: Major 2nd (Whole Step up)
• E2 to D3: Major 7th (ascending, or a Major 2nd down one octave)
• D3 to E3: Major 2nd (Whole Step up)
• E3 to D4: Major 7th (ascending, or a Major 2nd down one octave)
• D4 to E4: Major 2nd (Whole Step up)

This is a highly unconventional tuning, departing significantly from standard E-A-D-G-B-e. The substantial changes to string tension, particularly on the 5th and 2nd strings, will alter the feel and response of the instrument.

How to Tune to KING DEDEDE

To achieve the KING DEDEDE tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-e, follow these precise string adjustments. Please be mindful of string tension changes, especially for larger movements, as they can affect playability and string longevity:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2. This is a common drop tuning movement and is generally safe.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. This is a very significant drop in tension. We advise extreme caution, and it is strongly recommended to consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension, to prevent buzzing, and to maintain proper intonation.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3. This is a moderate drop and should be done carefully to ensure string stability.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B3 to D4. Tuning up 3 semitones places considerable stress on the string. Please take extreme care to avoid snapping the string, and consider a lighter gauge string if you plan to use this tuning frequently to prevent breakage.
• 1st String (High e): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains E4.

Always tune slowly and check your intonation after making significant changes to ensure your guitar plays in tune across the fretboard. It may also be beneficial to allow the instrument to settle before extended playing.

6th String (Low E): Tuned down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
5th String (A): Tuned down 5 semitones from A2 to E2.
4th String (D): No change; remains D3.
3rd String (G): Tuned down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
2nd String (B): Tuned up 3 semitones from B3 to D4.
1st String (High e): No change; remains E4.