Tuning Analysis: DGCFA#D (My Epic - "Doxology")

This intriguing tuning, famously utilized by My Epic in their song "Doxology," presents a dark, resonant, and somewhat dissonant soundscape. It's a significant departure from standard EADGBe tuning, dropping the overall pitch considerably and introducing unique intervallic relationships.

Verbal Analysis

The DGCFA#D tuning immediately suggests a heavy, deep, and expansive sound. With most strings tuned down two semitones, and the 2nd string tuned down one semitone to A# (Bb), the guitar will have a naturally slacker string tension (unless heavier gauge strings are used) and a pronounced low-end growl. The consecutive perfect fourths on the bottom four strings (D-G-C-F) create a foundation ripe for powerful, easily-fingered chord voicings and riffs. The surprising A# on the 2nd string, alongside the F and D, introduces a melodic tension that can sound either melancholic or intensely dramatic, depending on the context. This isn't a simple open major or minor chord tuning; instead, it offers a palette for complex harmonies and a wide dynamic range, perfect for atmospheric and post-rock inspired compositions.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D2 G2 C3 F3 A#4 D4. When analyzing the intervals from the lowest D string:

• 6th String (D2): Root
• 5th String (G2): Perfect 4th above D
• 4th String (C3): Perfect 4th above G (Perfect 7th above D)
• 3rd String (F3): Perfect 4th above C (Minor 10th/Minor 3rd above D an octave higher)
• 2nd String (A#4): Augmented 4th above F (Major 13th/Major 6th above D an octave higher, or Bb for easier analysis)
• 1st String (D4): Perfect 4th above A# (Bb) (Octave above D2)

The bottom four strings (D-G-C-F) are all tuned in perfect fourths, which makes playing power chords (e.g., D5, G5, C5, F5) and root-fifth-octave shapes extremely straightforward by simply barring one or two fingers. This configuration facilitates heavy, driving riffs. The notes across all open strings are D, G, C, F, A# (or Bb). This collection of notes forms a type of G minor 11 chord (G-Bb-D-F-C), or a C minor 9 chord (C-Eb-G-Bb-D) if we consider the G as part of the C minor 9. More simply, it contains a G minor triad (G-Bb-D) and a C major chord (C-E-G), without the E. It doesn't resolve to a simple major or minor triad, offering instead a suspended, extended, or slightly dissonant quality that is harmonically rich. Open chords will often have a dark, suspended, or minor 7th/9th quality. For example, barring across the top three strings at the first fret would yield a D-G#-C shape, which isn't immediately simple, but the open F-A#-D (F-Bb-D) on the top three strings could be perceived as a Bb major triad (Bb D F) if the F is the root. This allows for interesting upper voicings over the deeper power chords.

How to Tune

To achieve the DGCFA#D tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

1. 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2. This is a common drop tuning, generally safe for standard string gauges.
2. 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2. Also a common drop and safe.
3. 4th String (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C3. This continues the full step drop, maintaining string tension changes consistently.
4. 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G to F3. Another full step down.
5. 2nd String (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B to A#4. This is a half-step drop, creating the unique tension of this tuning.
6. 1st String (High e): Tune down 2 semitones from e to D4. This brings the highest string down a full step, matching the lowest string an octave higher.

Important Note on String Gauge: All string movements are within the generally recommended range of +/- 4 semitones for standard gauge strings. However, as all strings are tuned down, you may experience a significant reduction in string tension. For optimal tone, sustain, and playability, especially if you plan to use this tuning frequently or with aggressive strumming, consider using a slightly heavier gauge set of strings to compensate for the slackness.

String 6: D2 (The Low E string is tuned down 2 semitones to D2.)

String 5: G2 (The A string is tuned down 2 semitones to G2.)

String 4: C3 (The D string is tuned down 2 semitones to C3.)

String 3: F3 (The G string is tuned down 2 semitones to F3.)

String 2: A#4 (The B string is tuned down 1 semitone to A#4.)

String 1: D4 (The High e string is tuned down 2 semitones to D4.)