This unique guitar tuning, which we've named DFACGD, emerged from an experimental approach, as its creator noted, by "tuning to literally random notes." Despite its spontaneous origin, it has "turned out quite nice," offering a distinct sonic landscape for exploration. This is a significantly dropped tuning, with all strings tuned down from standard.

Verbal Analysis

The DFACGD tuning immediately presents a rich, resonant, and somewhat melancholic sound due to its strong D minor tonality. The low D and F create a deep foundation, perfect for atmospheric pieces or heavy, droning riffs. The open strings themselves form a complete D minor 7th chord (D-F-A-C) with an added G (a perfect fourth above the root D) and an octave D. This makes for a very full, complex open chord that can be strummed directly, offering immediate harmonic richness without fretting.

The presence of the open G string (G3) as a perfect fourth above the root D gives this tuning a strong 'Dorian' or 'minor dominant' feel, allowing for a bluesy or even modal jazz approach in D minor. The two highest strings (G3 and D4) are tuned a perfect fifth apart, mirroring the bass strings in standard tuning (EAD), which can make lead lines and power chords on these strings feel familiar, albeit in a different key. Simple two or three-finger chord shapes can yield rich voicings that would be complex in standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned as follows, from low to high:

• 6th String: D2 (tuned down 2 semitones from E2)
• 5th String: F2 (tuned down 4 semitones from A2)
• 4th String: A2 (tuned down 5 semitones from D3)
• 3rd String: C3 (tuned down 7 semitones from G3)
• 2nd String: G3 (tuned down 4 semitones from B3)
• 1st String: D4 (tuned down 2 semitones from E4)

Analyzing the intervals between the open strings:

• D2 to F2: Minor Third
• F2 to A2: Major Third
• A2 to C3: Minor Third
• C3 to G3: Perfect Fifth
• G3 to D4: Perfect Fifth

This configuration is highly advantageous for creating D minor-based harmonies. The first four strings (D-F-A-C) form a complete D minor 7th chord. Adding the G3 and D4 provides a strong root and a perfect fourth, making the overall open tuning a powerful D minor 7 (add 11) or D minor with a strong Dorian flavor. Chords like Dm, Dm7, and even Gsus2/D (using G-D-G on strings 3, 2, 1) are readily available. Power chords based on D on the lowest strings will be particularly resonant.

Given the significant drop in tension for most strings (the 5th, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings are tuned down 4 or more semitones), it is advisable to consider using a heavier gauge string set if you plan to use this tuning extensively. This will help maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability, especially on the substantially detuned strings.

How to Tune Your Guitar to DFACGD

To achieve the DFACGD tuning, you will need to detune all strings from standard EADGBe. Please tune each string carefully, checking the pitch as you go. For strings with significant semitone changes (down 4 or more), a different gauge string is advised for optimal performance and to avoid excessive floppiness.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down from E2 to D2. Tune down 2 semitones.
• 5th String (A): Tune down from A2 to F2. Tune down 4 semitones. (A heavier gauge string is advised)
• 4th String (D): Tune down from D3 to A2. Tune down 5 semitones. (A heavier gauge string is advised)
• 3rd String (G): Tune down from G3 to C3. Tune down 7 semitones. (A heavier gauge string is advised)
• 2nd String (B): Tune down from B3 to G3. Tune down 4 semitones. (A heavier gauge string is advised)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down from E4 to D4. Tune down 2 semitones.