Verbal Analysis: The Sound of Introspection

This unique and deeply resonant tuning, famously utilized by Elliott Smith for his iconic song "Ballad of Big Nothing," plunges the guitar into a notably lower, more mellow register. The overall effect is one of profound introspection and warmth, characterized by a certain slackness in the strings that beautifully facilitates delicate fingerpicking and fluid, melancholic melodic lines. It ventures far beyond the conventional confines of standard EADGBe tuning, creating a soundscape that feels both familiar in its individual notes yet entirely novel in its harmonic possibilities, evoking the raw, intimate emotion synonymous with Smith's work.

Technical Analysis: D-G-C-E-G-D

The standard EADGBe tuning is radically altered to D-G-C-E-G-D, with all strings tuned down from their usual positions. This extensive drop in pitch results in a lower overall tension and a darker, more resonant tonal quality.

Open String Intervals (from 6th to 1st string):

• 6th String (D) to 5th String (G): Perfect 4th
• 5th String (G) to 4th String (C): Perfect 4th
• 4th String (C) to 3rd String (E): Major 3rd
• 3rd String (E) to 2nd String (G): Minor 3rd
• 2nd String (G) to 1st String (D): Perfect 4th

This interval structure is notably irregular, departing from the consistent 4ths of standard tuning (save for the G-B major 3rd).

Open String Voicing & Chordal Possibilities:

The open D-G-C-E-G-D configuration does not form a simple major or minor triad. Instead, it presents a rich, extended voicing built around D. The unique set of notes—D, G, C, E—can be interpreted with D as the root, giving us the root (D), perfect 4th (G), minor 7th (C), and major 9th (E). This creates a sophisticated Dsus4(add9, ♭7) or Dm7sus4(add9) type of sound, offering a melancholic, open, and slightly ambiguous quality that is ripe for harmonic exploration.

While traditional barre chords will require significant re-imagining due to the irregular intervals, this tuning lends itself beautifully to atmospheric arpeggios and voicings that often sound more complex than their fingerings. Power chords can be adapted relatively easily due to the lower pitch. The strong presence of D and G notes across multiple strings makes resonant D and G-based voicings readily accessible. Furthermore, the C-E-G on the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings forms a clear C major triad, which can be easily leveraged within the broader D context, allowing for interesting harmonic shifts. This tuning inherently encourages the exploration of open string drones and moving melodic lines against them, a hallmark of Elliott Smith's intricate and emotionally charged playing style.

Tuning Notes:

Here are the specific notes for each string in this tuning, from thickest to thinnest:

• 6th String (Low E Equivalent): D2
• 5th String (A Equivalent): G2
• 4th String (D Equivalent): C3
• 3rd String (G Equivalent): E3
• 2nd String (B Equivalent): G3
• 1st String (High E Equivalent): D4

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Elliott Smith - Ballad of Big Nothing" tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these string movements:

• 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 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. Please note: Tuning this string down 4 semitones is a significant drop. For optimal tone, intonation, and string tension, a different (heavier) gauge string might be advised if you intend to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.