The "DEFDAD" tuning for Guitar is a truly unique and exploratory setup, aptly described as a "Half cluster tuning and half open tuning." It offers a compelling blend of rich, dissonant textures and powerful, resonant open voicings, pushing the boundaries of traditional guitar playing.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning creates an atmospheric and somewhat challenging sonic landscape. The three lowest strings (D2, E2, F2) form a tight, resonant cluster. This close proximity of notes generates a dense, droning quality that can range from hauntingly beautiful to strikingly dissonant, perfect for ambient textures, modal explorations, or experimental soundscapes. The upper three strings (D3, A3, D4) resolve into a powerful and clear D power chord, providing a familiar and stable foundation above the intricate lower register. This duality makes the tuning incredibly versatile for creating music that is both grounded and exploratory, inviting players to discover new harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this tuning are D2-E2-F2-D3-A3-D4 (from the lowest 6th string to the highest 1st string). This note arrangement yields specific harmonic characteristics:

• The lowest three strings (6th, 5th, 4th) are tuned to D2, E2, and F2 respectively. This 'cluster' features a Major 2nd (D-E) followed by a Minor 2nd (E-F), creating a tight, rich, and often dissonant low-end resonance. This implies a modal character, possibly leaning towards Phrygian or Dorian if a D root is implied.
• The upper three strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st) are tuned to D3, A3, and D4. These notes form a perfect D5 power chord (Root-Fifth-Octave), or a Dsus2 if considering the D-A-D structure. This provides a strong, clear, and open D tonality in the higher register.
• Strumming all open strings produces a complex D-E-F-D-A-D voicing, which is rich in overtones and tension due to the F2 and E2 clashing in the lower register, underpinned by strong D octaves/fifths.

Chordal Opportunities

Despite its unconventional nature, this tuning offers several intriguing chordal possibilities:

• Open Dsus2/D5: The top three strings (D-A-D) naturally form a powerful D suspended 2nd or D5 chord, allowing for easy movable power chords by barring these strings across any fret.
• D Minor Textures: By emphasizing the D2, F2, D3, A3, D4 notes (perhaps muting or altering the E2 string), one can easily create resonant D minor-esque voicings. The E2 adds a distinct modal flavor, turning D minor into something more exotic.
• Drone Capabilities: The low D-E-F cluster is perfect for sustained drones and open string ringing, especially when paired with melodies or chords played on the higher strings.
• Unique Inversions: The wide intervals and cluster in the lower register allow for unique and expansive chord inversions that would be impossible in standard tuning.

This tuning is highly recommended for players looking to explore non-standard harmonic structures, ambient soundscapes, or folk music with a darker, more modal character.

Tuning Notes

Here are the notes for each string in this unique tuning, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: E2
• 4th String: F2
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve the DEFDAD tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings from standard tuning as follows. Please exercise caution, especially with large downward adjustments, as this can affect string tension and intonation. Consider a different string gauge if you frequently use tunings with significant drops.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (E2 → D2)
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Note: This is a significant drop (-5 semitones) from standard tuning; a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone. (A2 → E2)
• 4th String (D): Tune down 9 semitones to F2. Warning: This is a very substantial drop (-9 semitones); a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain playability and avoid excessive slack. (D3 → F2)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Note: This is a significant drop (-5 semitones); a heavier gauge string is advised for optimal tension and tone. (G3 → D3)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. (B3 → A3)
• 1st String (High e): Tune down 2 semitones to D4. (E4 → D4)