Tuning Analysis: D Major Open Sixth (DF#ADAE)

Verbal Description

This unique tuning, which we've named "D Major Open Sixth," presents an intriguing sonic landscape. While the original description notes it as a "random tuning," it clearly establishes a strong D Major foundation across its lower and middle strings. The open D (6th string), F# (5th string), A (4th string), and D (3rd string) immediately form a full D Major triad with an octave, creating a resonant and powerful open chord. The second string, tuned to A, perfectly reinforces this D Major harmony, adding depth and sustain. The most distinctive element is the first string, tuned to E. This E adds a suspended or add9 quality, preventing the tuning from being a straightforward D Major and instead offering a brighter, more open, and somewhat ethereal character. It invites exploration beyond typical major chord shapes, pushing towards modal or more complex harmonic voicings. This tuning would be excellent for slide guitar, drone music, or fingerstyle arrangements where its inherent harmonies can ring out, providing a rich, full sound with minimal effort.

Technical Analysis

• Open Notes: D2 - F#3 - A2 - D3 - A3 - E4 (from low E to high E string).
• Key Chord: The open strings (D F# A D A) present a rich D Major chord, making it a true open D tuning for the majority of strings.
• Harmonic Structure:
  • Strings 6, 5, 4, 3 (D F# A D) form a powerful D Major triad with an octave.
  • String 2 (A) reinforces the perfect fifth of D Major.
  • String 1 (E) introduces a major second (or 9th) relative to D, giving the overall voicing a Dsus2 or Dadd9 quality, adding brightness and a touch of tension.
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open D Major: Strumming strings 6 through 2 immediately yields a full D Major chord. Including the high E adds a Dadd9/Dsus2 flavor.
  • Barre Chords: By fretting all strings at a single fret (except possibly adjusting the first string), you can easily create other major chords with a similar Dadd9 voicing (e.g., 2nd fret for Eadd9, 3rd fret for Fadd9).
  • Dominant 7ths: The consistent D Major pattern allows for relatively straightforward creation of dominant 7th chords by targeting the minor 7th. For instance, a D7 could be achieved by fretting the 1st string (E) at the 3rd fret (G) and the 2nd string (A) at the 1st fret (Bb, which is the flat 7th of C, not D). A better approach would be to find a C note for a D7. The 1st string at the 8th fret is C, which would create a strong D9 sound when combined with the open D A.
  • Suspended Chords: The open E on the first string already suggests suspended harmonies (Dsus2), making exploration of suspended voicings very natural and resonant within this tuning.

How to Tune

To achieve the D Major Open Sixth tuning, follow these specific string adjustments from standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E):

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2. (E to D)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#3. (A to F#)
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal tension, tone, and to prevent string floppiness. (D to A)
• String 3 (G): Tune down 5 semitones to D3. Caution: This is a significant drop in tension. As with string 4, a heavier gauge string is advised for regular use to maintain good playability and sound quality. (G to D)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. (B to A)
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

String 6 (Low E): D2 - The lowest string is tuned down significantly to a resonant D, providing the root of the tuning.

String 5 (A): F#3 - Tuned down from A to F#, this string provides the major third of the D Major chord.

String 4 (D): A2 - Tuned down from D to A, this string offers the perfect fifth, an octave below the higher A string.

String 3 (G): D3 - Tuned down from G to D, this creates an octave with the 6th string, reinforcing the root note.

String 2 (B): A3 - Tuned down from B to A, this string provides another perfect fifth of D, adding brightness and sustain.

String 1 (High E): E4 - This string remains at its standard pitch, introducing a major second (or 9th) over the D root, giving the tuning its unique add9/sus2 character.