DGDEAE Experimental Tuning Analysis

This unique tuning, labeled "DGDEAE", was created for experimental exploration by its author, making it a fresh and distinct soundscape for guitarists. It moves away from standard open major or minor tunings, offering a complex, resonant, and somewhat suspended character.

Technical Analysis:

• Open String Notes: D2 G2 D3 E3 A3 E4 (from low E to high E string).
• Interval Structure (relative to D): The tuning features a prominent D root. From the lowest D, we have a Perfect 4th (G), an Octave (D), a Major 2nd (E), a Perfect 5th (A), and another Major 2nd (E, an octave higher than the previous E).
• Chordal Implication: The open strings D-G-D-E-A-E do not form a simple major or minor triad. Instead, they imply a Dsus4 (D-G-A) with an added major 2nd (E). This could be described as a Dsus2sus4 or Dsus4(add2). The absence of a major or minor third (F# or F) gives it an open, suspended quality that avoids definitive major/minor tonality in its open form.
• Resonance and Drones: The repeated D's (low D and 4th string D) and E's (3rd string E and high E) create natural opportunities for drone effects and rich sustain. The low G provides a strong harmonic foundation.

Verbal and Playing Observations:

The DGDEAE tuning sounds wonderfully open and spacious, ideal for ambient textures, fingerstyle arrangements, and experimental music. The suspended nature means it's not immediately "happy" or "sad," allowing for a wide range of emotional expression depending on melodic and harmonic choices.

The D-G-D sequence on the lower strings offers a familiar resonance often found in Open G or Open D tunings, providing a solid bass foundation. The higher E-A-E sequence adds a bright, shimmering quality.

Chord Possibilities:

• Open Chords: While not a simple triad, the open strings themselves form a rich Dsus2sus4 chord, creating an immediate, ethereal sound.
• Barre Chords: Moving a single-finger barre up the neck will yield voicings that maintain the suspended character. For instance, a barre at the 2nd fret would produce an Esus2sus4, and at the 5th fret, a Gsus2sus4, offering easy transposition of the open chord shape.
• Drone Chords: Exploiting the repeated D and E notes, players can easily create drone-based chords by fretting notes on other strings against the open ringing tones.
• Improvisation: The open intervals lend themselves well to melodic improvisation, as many notes will harmonize without creating harsh dissonances, especially within D Mixolydian or G Major scales.

How to Tune Your Guitar to DGDEAE:

Achieving the DGDEAE tuning involves several significant string adjustments, primarily tuning down. Standard string gauges should generally be suitable, as no string is adjusted by more than 3 semitones (either up or down). Always tune carefully and check intonation.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

6th String: D2
5th String: G2
4th String: D3
3rd String: E3
2nd String: A3
1st String: E4