Tuning Overview: Dsus4, Dsus2, G6sus2

This intriguing guitar tuning, named Dsus4, Dsus2, G6sus2, offers a rich and versatile soundscape, particularly well-suited for a "Celtic like" feel and designed to facilitate a "1-4-5 progression easy with minor chords," as noted in its description. It's a non-standard open tuning that shifts several strings to create a unique harmonic foundation.

Technical Analysis: The Open Voicing

The open strings are tuned to D2-G2-D3-A3-D4-E4 (low to high). Analyzing the intervals relative to the lowest D (string 6):

• D (Root)
• G (Perfect 4th)
• D (Octave)
• A (Perfect 5th)
• D (Octave)
• E (Major 9th / Major 2nd)

This creates a complex open chord structure. When strummed open, the combination of notes (D, E, G, A) immediately suggests several suspended voicings. It inherently contains a Dsus4 (D-G-A), a Dsus2 (D-E-A), and can also be perceived as a form of G6sus2 if G is taken as a root (G-A-D-E). The prominent D and G notes across multiple octaves provide a solid harmonic bed for folk, Celtic, and even modern acoustic styles. The inclusion of the E on the highest string adds a bright, open quality, providing a natural extension as a 9th or a leading tone depending on the harmonic context.

Playing Potential & Chords

The design of this tuning makes it very conducive to drone-based playing and fingerstyle.

• Open Chord Voicings: The open strings themselves offer a beautiful, resonant chord. Experiment with simply strumming all open strings for its signature sound. By muting the high E string, you get a pure Dsus4 or Dsus2.
• Easy Barre Chords: The repeated D notes on strings 6, 4, and 2, along with the G-A relationship, often mean that moving a single finger across a fret can yield complex and rich chords. For instance, barring across the 2nd fret might give an Esus4 or Esus2 flavor due to the D-E-G-A intervals shifting.
• Celtic & Folk: The "Celtic like" description is apt. The open drones and accessible minor voicings lend themselves to traditional melodies and modal playing. Sliding open chord shapes up and down the neck will reveal evocative sounds.
• 1-4-5 Progression: The tuning is explicitly designed for an "easy 1-4-5 progression." In the key of D, this would mean D, G, A. The open tuning already has strong D, G, and A components, suggesting that these chords will be very accessible and resonant with minimal fretting, likely involving simple finger shapes or partial barres.

How to Tune

To achieve the Dsus4, Dsus2, G6sus2 tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G. (Movement: -2 semitones)
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change. (Movement: 0 semitones)
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones from G to A. (Movement: +2 semitones)
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones from B to D. (Movement: +3 semitones)
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change. (Movement: 0 semitones)

Important Note on String Tension: While none of these string movements are extreme (i.e., exceeding 4 semitones up or down), always tune carefully. Tuning up strings increases tension, and very old or light-gauge strings might be more susceptible to breakage. However, for this specific tuning, a standard set of strings should generally cope well.