Tuning Analysis: DEDGBA

This intriguing tuning, aptly named DEDGBA, offers a unique sound profile for the guitar. Described as a "Reentrant G tuning turned way down at the high and low ends," it immediately signals a significant departure from standard tuning, promising a rich tapestry of sounds and harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

The DEDGBA tuning presents a deeply resonant and expansive sound. The dramatic down-tuning on the lowest and highest strings creates a looser string tension, which can lend itself to expressive bends, a fuller sustain, and a somewhat mellow, yet vibrant, character. The reentrant aspect – where the highest string (A3) is lower in pitch than its adjacent string (B3) – adds an unexpected layer of melodic contour and harmonic complexity, often reminiscent of folk instruments like mandolins or banjos, but with the full depth of a guitar. This tuning is ideal for styles that benefit from open, droning strings, rich fingerstyle textures, or shimmering chord voicings, such as ambient soundscapes, modern folk, or experimental music. Its open quality encourages exploration beyond typical chord shapes.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of the DEDGBA tuning are arranged as follows, from the 6th (lowest) string to the 1st (highest) string:

• 6th String: D2 (Root)
• 5th String: E2 (Major 2nd above D)
• 4th String: D3 (Octave above the 6th string D)
• 3rd String: G3 (Perfect 4th above D)
• 2nd String: B3 (Major 6th above D)
• 1st String: A3 (Perfect 5th above D, but lower in pitch than the 2nd string B3)

The resulting open string notes are D, E, G, A, B. This collection forms a strong D Major pentatonic scale (D-E-G-A-B), creating a very consonant and open sound. Harmonies derived from this tuning are particularly interesting:

• The 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings (D3 - G3 - B3) form a clear G Major triad in its second inversion (G/D). Strumming these three strings together immediately produces a resonant G Major chord.
• The 6th string (D2) and 1st string (A3) establish a powerful D5 power chord, providing a solid bass and top-end anchor.
• The E2 on the 5th string adds a major 2nd or 9th extension, contributing to a lush Dsus2 or Dadd9 quality when strummed with the other D notes.

Overall, the open tuning offers a bright, suspended, and expansive D harmony, often leaning towards a D Lydian or G Major character due to the prominent G. The reentrant A3 (1st string) below the B3 (2nd string) allows for unique melodic runs and chord voicings that are impossible in standard tuning. Simple one-finger barres across the middle strings can easily create new major or minor chords, with the open D and A notes providing a constant harmonic foundation.

How to Tune

Tuning to DEDGBA involves significant changes from standard EADGBe tuning. Please exercise caution, especially for strings with large semitone shifts. For strings requiring movements of more than 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge might be recommended to ensure optimal tension and prevent potential string breakage or excess slack.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2. (This is a moderate tension change.)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A to E2. (Caution: This is a substantial drop. Consider using a heavier gauge string for this pitch.)
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones from E to A3. (Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this pitch.)

The open notes for the DEDGBA tuning are as follows (from lowest to highest pitch):

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: E2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: B3
• 1st String: A3