Verbal Analysis

The "DGAF" tuning for Bass Electric is a bold and unconventional departure from standard bass tunings, living up to its irreverent name. This tuning encourages players to explore new sonic territories rather than relying on familiar patterns. Its irregular intervals suggest a preference for unique melodic lines, atmospheric drones, or experimental harmonic textures over traditional chordal voicings. It could be particularly inspiring for genres like progressive rock, experimental jazz, or ambient music, where a fresh approach to the bass instrument is valued.

The combination of a low D and G with a higher A and F creates a distinctive sound palette, offering both deep resonance and unexpected harmonic tension. Players may find themselves discovering new fingering possibilities and developing a unique musical voice tailored to this specific setup. This tuning challenges the bassist to think creatively about the instrument's role, moving beyond foundational roots to contribute more intricate and layered musical ideas.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for the Bass Electric in DGAF tuning are as follows, from the thickest (lowest pitch) to the thinnest (highest pitch) string:

• String 4: D2
• String 3: G2
• String 2: A2
• String 1: F3

Analyzing the intervals between the open strings:

• String 4 (D2) to String 3 (G2): Perfect Fourth (5 semitones)
• String 3 (G2) to String 2 (A2): Major Second (2 semitones)
• String 2 (A2) to String 1 (F3): Minor Sixth (8 semitones)

This unique sequence of intervals does not form a conventional open chord in a straightforward manner. However, the notes D, G, A, F, when considered together (D-F-G-A), suggest a D minor chord (D-F-A) with an added perfect fourth (G). This could be interpreted as a D minor with a suspended 4th, or a partial Gsus4/D, depending on the harmonic context. Such a voicing offers a rich, ambiguous, or modal quality, making it suitable for creating sustained arpeggios or bass lines that emphasize these distinct relationships. The narrow Major Second between G2 and A2 and the wide Minor Sixth between A2 and F3 are particularly striking and invite creative fingerings across the fretboard, potentially lending themselves to Dorian or Mixolydian modes.

How to Tune

To set your Bass Electric to the DGAF tuning, follow these specific string adjustments (movements are relative to an assumed standard tuning, aiming for the specified target note):

• String 4 (D2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 2 (A2): Tune down 5 semitones.
• String 1 (F3): Tune down 2 semitones.

Important String Gauge Advisory: For String 2, which requires tuning down 5 semitones, it is strongly advised to consider using a different gauge string. Significant changes in string tension, particularly tuning down 5 or more semitones, can affect playability, intonation, and string life with standard gauges. A heavier gauge string may provide better tension and tone stability for this significantly lowered pitch. For String 4, 3, and 1, tuning down 2 semitones is generally within safe limits for standard gauge strings.

String 4: Tuned to D2. This is the lowest string, providing a deep, foundational resonance that anchors the tuning.

String 3: Tuned to G2. A perfect fourth above the lowest D2, offering a rich mid-range and an open interval for chordal textures.

String 2: Tuned to A2. Positioned a major second above the G2, this creates a tight, somewhat dissonant interval that contributes to the unique character of the tuning.

String 1: Tuned to F3. The highest string, a minor sixth above the A2, completes the distinctive harmonic landscape, adding brightness and reach.