The DFDFGC tuning for guitar is a deeply resonant and harmonically unique alternative tuning, famously derived from 'Epik High - Love Love Love'. This tuning transforms the guitar's sonic landscape, leaning towards a rich, often melancholic, and atmospheric character.

Verbal Analysis:

From a player's perspective, this tuning feels expansive and open, with the low D and repeated D/F notes providing a strong foundational drone. It has a distinctive "open D minor" feel, though the full open chord is more complex than a simple triad. The repeated D and F across the low and middle strings create a powerful root and minor third, establishing a minor tonality that can sound both moody and epic. The higher strings (G and C) introduce interesting suspensions and extensions, moving away from a traditional major/minor harmony when strummed openly. This gives the tuning a modern, sometimes dissonant, yet evocative sound, perfect for ambient textures, fingerstyle arpeggios, or heavy riffing where a dark, driving force is desired.

Technical Analysis:

The tuning's notes are D2, F2, D3, F3, G3, C4 (from low to high string). This configuration results in a series of interesting intervals:

• The 6th and 5th strings (D2 and F2) form a minor third.
• The 5th and 4th strings (F2 and D3) form a major sixth up, or a minor third down (relative to D3).
• The 4th and 3rd strings (D3 and F3) again form a minor third.
• The 3rd and 2nd strings (F3 and G3) form a major second.
• The 2nd and 1st strings (G3 and C4) form a perfect fourth.

When strummed open, the full set of notes (D-F-D-F-G-C) doesn't form a simple major or minor chord but rather a Dm7sus4 (D-F-G-C). This creates a rich, complex, and somewhat ambiguous harmony. The inherent D minor tonality makes Dm, F, and Gm chords relatively accessible, often requiring only slight modifications from standard shapes. Power chords will also be very potent, especially D5, F5, G5, and C5. The consecutive D-F-D-F setup makes for easy drone strings for various melodies, while the G-C interval on the higher strings can facilitate intriguing melodic and harmonic movements, particularly useful for open string arpeggios and unique chord voicings.

This tuning is highly effective for genres requiring a heavy, detuned sound, or for progressive music where unusual harmonies are explored. It also lends itself well to slide guitar due to the open D and F notes.

How to Tune Your Guitar to DFDFGC:

To achieve the DFDFGC tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps carefully. Note that several strings require significant tuning down, and for consistent playability and to avoid potential issues, consider using a heavier gauge string set, especially for strings tuned down 4 or more semitones.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down from standard E2 to D2. This is a movement of 2 semitones down.
• 5th String (A): Tune down from standard A2 to F2. This is a movement of 4 semitones down. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is significant. A different gauge string is advised for optimal performance and tension.
• 4th String (D): This string remains D3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Tune down from standard G3 to F3. This is a movement of 2 semitones down.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down from standard B3 to G3. This is a movement of 4 semitones down. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is significant. A different gauge string is advised for optimal performance and tension.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down from standard E4 to C4. This is a movement of 4 semitones down. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is significant. A different gauge string is advised for optimal performance and tension.

Here are the specific notes for each string in the DFDFGC tuning, from the lowest (thickest) to the highest (thinnest) string:

• 6th String (Low E string position): Tuned to D2.
• 5th String (A string position): Tuned to F2.
• 4th String (D string position): Tuned to D3.
• 3rd String (G string position): Tuned to F3.
• 2nd String (B string position): Tuned to G3.
• 1st String (High E string position): Tuned to C4.