This intriguing tuning, known as DFAEAC, is famously utilized by Alexander Misko in his piece "Late Passenger." It's a highly resonant and rich open tuning, deviating significantly from standard EADGBe, and designed to unlock unique harmonic possibilities and expansive voicings.

Verbal Analysis

At first glance, the tuning feels deep and full, particularly with the lowest three strings (D2, F2, A2) forming a complete D minor triad. This provides a strong, melancholic foundation. The upper three strings (E3, A3, C4) then build upon this, creating an A minor triad in its first inversion (C-E-A). When all six open strings are strummed together, they create a beautiful and complex D minor 9th chord (D-F-A-C-E), offering a sophisticated and ambient sound perfect for fingerstyle and contemporary compositions. The intervals are quite varied, with a notable leap between the 4th (A2) and 3rd (E3) strings, which is a perfect 5th (up 7 semitones). This creates an open, almost piano-like spread between these two registers, enhancing the harmonic depth. Players will find that chords often ring out with an added sense of space and complexity, and familiar shapes will produce entirely new, often unexpected, harmonies.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are:

• 6th String: D2
• 5th String: F2
• 4th String: A2
• 3rd String: E3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: C4

Analyzing the intervals between consecutive open strings (from lowest to highest):

• D2 to F2: Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• F2 to A2: Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• A2 to E3: Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• E3 to A3: Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• A3 to C4: Minor 3rd (3 semitones)

This arrangement creates several harmonic advantages:

• Open D minor 9th: As noted, all open strings together form a rich D minor 9th (D-F-A-C-E), providing an instant, complex harmonic backdrop.
• Chord Voicings: The D minor triad on the lower strings (D-F-A) allows for easy droning and pedal tones in the key of D minor. The E-A-C on the higher strings form an A minor triad, offering interesting interplay and common tones with the lower D minor. Sliding a finger across frets on the lower strings will yield movable minor triads (e.g., fretting all three lower strings at the 1st fret gives Eb minor). This structure encourages melodic exploration over resonant open strings.
• Melodic Opportunities: The distinct interval choices encourage unique melodic phrasing, especially with the wide Perfect 5th between the 4th and 3rd strings. This creates a larger 'leap' that can be exploited for arpeggios or single-note lines with a broad range.

The significant downtuning across most strings necessitates careful string gauge selection, particularly for the 5th, 4th, and 1st strings, where standard gauges may feel too slack.

How to Tune to DFAEAC

To achieve the DFAEAC tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note that several strings are tuned down significantly, so consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal playability and intonation if these tunings are to be used regularly.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2. A different gauge string is advised for this significant drop.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 5 semitones from D3 to A2. A different gauge string is advised for this significant drop.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 4 semitones from E4 to C4. A different gauge string is advised for this significant drop.