"Jake's Enigmatic Drop-D" (DGCDAD) Tuning Analysis

This unique tuning, known as "DGCDAD" and described as a "Jake Edward Lee original," presents a fascinating blend of low-end power and higher-string harmonic complexity. It's not a conventional open chord tuning, but rather a carefully crafted arrangement of notes designed to inspire distinct melodic and harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis: The Sound and Feel

The foundation of this tuning lies in its deeply dropped low strings: D2, G2, and C3. This trio creates a rich, resonant bottom end, providing a powerful canvas for heavy riffs and open, ringing drones. The stack of perfect fourths (D-G-C) in the lowest strings gives a familiar, robust feel, reminiscent of dropped tunings or certain modal approaches.

However, the tuning takes an unexpected turn with the higher strings. The third string is tuned to D4# (Eb), the second to A4# (Bb), and the first to D5# (Eb). This introduction of Eb and Bb creates a distinctive character. Against the lower D, G, C, these notes introduce elements of blues, jazz, or even exotic scales. The Eb and Bb on the higher strings form an Eb major chord (Eb-Bb-Eb) which can chime beautifully over the lower D-G-C, creating either a rich C minor 7th sound (C-Eb-G-Bb) or a complex D-based harmony with added flat 9th (Eb) and flat 5th/flat 13th (Bb). This interplay allows for compelling chord voicings and melodic ideas that wouldn't be possible in standard tuning.

Potential for Chords and Voicings:

• The lowest three strings (D G C) can be used to create open power chords or drones, particularly around C or G.
• Open notes on the higher strings (D# A# D#) immediately create an Eb power chord sound, which can be sustained or arpeggiated.
• By fretting the 4th string at the 1st fret (D#) and the 3rd string open (D#), and playing with the top two strings open (A# D#), you can explore an Eb major tonality.
• Combining the low C (4th string open) with the higher Eb and Bb notes can yield C minor 7th voicings with interesting extensions.
• The overall openness invites drone playing and melodic exploration, particularly in keys that accommodate the Eb and Bb.

Technical Analysis: Intervals and Setup

Comparing to standard EADGBe tuning, this DGCDAD tuning involves significant pitch adjustments across almost all strings. The open notes are: D2, G2, C3, D4#, A4#, D5#.

Intervals from the lowest D (D2):

• String 6: D2 (Root)
• String 5: G2 (Perfect 4th)
• String 4: C3 (Perfect 4th above G2, or Perfect 7th above D2)
• String 3: D4# (Eb) (Minor 3rd above C3, or Augmented 2nd above C3 if considering D#, Tritone above G2)
• String 2: A4# (Bb) (Tritone above D#4, or Perfect 5th above D#4 if considering Eb Bb)
• String 1: D5# (Eb) (Perfect 4th above A#4, or Octave above D#4)

This tuning is characterized by its initial stack of perfect fourths (D-G-C) followed by an Eb major triad (Eb-Bb-Eb) across the higher strings. This creates a harmonically rich, non-diatonic landscape that encourages experimentation and unique voicings. Due to the significant drop in tension on several strings, particularly the 3rd string, it is advisable to consider a heavier gauge string set if this tuning is to be used frequently, to maintain optimal playability and intonation.

How to Tune to "Jake's Enigmatic Drop-D" (DGCDAD)

To achieve this distinctive tuning for your Guitar from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 4 semitones to D4#. Caution: Tuning this string down by 4 semitones significantly reduces its tension. For frequent use in this tuning, a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain playability and intonation, and to prevent potential damage from excessive slack.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone to A4#.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 1 semitone to D5#.

String 6 (Lowest String): D2

String 5: G2

String 4: C3

String 3: D4#

String 2: A4#

String 1 (Highest String): D5#