The DF#C#F#AE tuning is a highly distinctive and musically rich setup, famously employed by Yvette Young in Polyphia's track "Rich Kids." It diverges significantly from standard EADGBe, offering a palette for intricate arpeggios, shimmering harmonics, and complex chord voicings that are characteristic of modern progressive and instrumental guitar music.

Technically, this tuning is laid out as follows, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string: D2, F#3, C#4, F#4, A3, E4. A striking feature of this tuning is its non-linear pitch order; specifically, the 2nd string (A3) is tuned lower in pitch than the 3rd string (F#4). This creates unique intervallic relationships across the fretboard and demands a fresh approach to fingerings and chord shapes.

When all open strings are strummed, the tuning beautifully resolves into a rich D Major 9th chord (D F# A C# E). This makes it incredibly resonant for open-string arpeggios and provides a strong harmonic anchor. The presence of the repeated F# on strings 5 and 3 adds depth and reinforces the F# as a prominent tone within the key of D Major, while the C# acts as the leading tone and the E as the 9th.

The intervals between adjacent strings are: a Major Third plus an octave (D2 to F#3), a Perfect Fifth (F#3 to C#4), a Perfect Fourth (C#4 to F#4), a descending Minor Sixth (F#4 to A3), and a Perfect Fifth (A3 to E4). This combination of wide intervals and the unique descent from the 3rd to the 2nd string opens up possibilities for expansive voicings and creates a soundscape that is both bright and deeply resonant. Players will find that many traditional chord shapes will need significant adaptation or complete re-imagination, encouraging exploration and innovative playing.

How to Tune Your Guitar to DF#C#F#AE

This tuning requires significant adjustments from standard E Standard. Proceed carefully, especially when tuning strings down multiple semitones. For changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge might be advisable for optimal tension and playability.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 3 semitones from A3 to F#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 1 semitone from D4 to C#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G4 to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.