DGCFAA Guitar Tuner

DGCFAA DGCFAA - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - DGCFAA

Tuning used for Neil Young - Hangin’ on a Limb ……………

This unique and resonant guitar tuning, known as DGCFAA, is famously utilized by Neil Young for tracks such as "Hangin' on a Limb." It represents a significant departure from standard E Standard tuning, creating a sonic landscape that is both deep and expansive.

Verbal Analysis

The overall feel of DGCFAA is one of profound depth and openness. The lower register of the first five strings, all tuned down a full step, gives the instrument a dark, almost brooding quality, while maintaining a consistent interval relationship across these strings. The high E string is dropped dramatically to an A, creating a unison with the 2nd string. This unison 'A' serves as a strong drone or melodic anchor, adding a shimmering, bell-like quality to the higher register, and allowing for rich, sustained textures. It evokes a feeling of wide-open spaces and melancholic introspection, perfectly suited for folk, rock, or atmospheric compositions.

Technical Analysis

Starting from the 6th string, the tuning is D2-G2-C3-F3-A3-A3. Comparing this to standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, the first five strings (E, A, D, G, B) are all tuned down a full step (2 semitones) to D, G, C, F, A respectively. The most striking change is the 1st string (high E), which is tuned down a perfect fifth (7 semitones) to A3, matching the pitch of the 2nd string.

The open strings D-G-C-F-A-A form a complex, rich voicing. The notes D, G, C, F, A contain elements of several chords:

It outlines a Dm7addG (D-F-A-C with an added G).
It can also be perceived as a Cadd9sus4 (C-G-D-F-A).
The presence of F, A, C allows for easy access to F major voicings, while D, F, A hints strongly at D minor.

The unison A's on the top two strings are a key feature, encouraging drone techniques and adding clarity to higher melodic lines or chord voicings. The consistent drop on the lower five strings means that traditional chord shapes can often be shifted down or modified with relative ease, producing new harmonic colors in a lower register. Simple open chords or partial barres can yield lush, resonant voicings. For instance, a one-finger barre across the top five strings at the 5th fret would produce G-C-F-Bb-D-D, creating a rich G minor 7 sus4 sound. This tuning encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, rewarding players with unique tonal palettes.

Open String Notes

6th String (Low E): D2
5th String (A): G2
4th String (D): C3
3rd String (G): F3
2nd String (B): A3
1st String (High E): A3

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

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 2 semitones to F3.
2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones to A3.
Important Note: This is a significant drop. For optimal string tension and playability, consider using a lighter gauge string for your 1st string, as a drop of 7 semitones is substantial and may result in a very slack feel with standard gauge strings.