The "CHFOD Tuning" is an intriguing and unique guitar setup, described by its creator as a spontaneous experiment. This tuning ventures into a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic sonic landscape, offering a foundation that is rich with potential for chordal exploration and melodic phrasing.

Verbal Analysis

Verbally, this tuning presents a blend of open power and complex harmony. The lowest strings (D-G-D) provide a solid, almost drone-like foundation, reminiscent of drop tunings but with an added G that softens the power chord feel. The upper strings (F-A-C) then lay a clear F major triad on top. When played open, the combined effect is a rich D minor 7th chord with an added 11th (D-G-D-F-A-C). This creates a full, slightly dark, and expressive sound that can evoke blues, folk, or even jazz moods. It lends itself well to fingerstyle playing, allowing for ringing open strings to provide harmonic texture, or for heavy strumming to produce a powerful, full-bodied chord. The open Dm7(add11) structure means that minor-key songs will feel particularly at home, and the tuning could inspire new voicings and melodic ideas that diverge from standard tuning.

Technical Analysis

Technically, the open notes are D2-G2-D3-F3-A3-C4.

• The interval structure from the lowest D is: Perfect 4th (G), Perfect Octave (D), Minor 3rd (F), Perfect 5th (A), Minor 7th (C). This confirms the presence of a D minor 7th chord (D-F-A-C) with a prominent G acting as an 11th over the root D.
• The open strings collectively form a D minor 7th (add11) chord. This makes for a very full and harmonic open strum.
• Fingering common chord shapes will be significantly altered. For example, a standard G major or C major chord shape will not produce the same sound. However, the presence of D-G-D on the lower strings suggests that power chords and open string drones rooted on D or G will be easily accessible.
• Due to the Dm7(add11) open voicing, chords closely related to D minor, F major, and G minor/G7sus4 will likely be within easy reach using simple fingerings. For instance, an F major chord can be achieved simply by strumming the top three strings (F-A-C).
• Barre chords will be simplified in some cases, especially those built around the D minor or F major triad, as the open strings already establish a complex harmonic foundation. Exploring inversions and partial chords utilizing the open D, G, D, F, A, and C will be key to unlocking this tuning's full potential.

Tuning Notes Overview

Here are the notes for each string in the CHFOD Tuning, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st) string:

• String 6 (Low E string): D2
• String 5 (A string): G2
• String 4 (D string): D3
• String 3 (G string): F3
• String 2 (B string): A3
• String 1 (High E string): C4

How to Tune to CHFOD Tuning

To achieve the CHFOD Tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps carefully. Please note that significant changes in string tension are involved, particularly for the 1st string. Always tune slowly and carefully.

• String 6 (Low E): From its standard E2, tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): From its standard A2, tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard D3 to D3.
• String 3 (G): From its standard G3, tune down 2 semitones to F3.
• String 2 (B): From its standard B3, tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): From its standard E4, tune down 4 semitones to C4. Caution: Tuning down 4 semitones is a significant change. If you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods, or if you notice intonation issues or string floppiness, consider using a heavier gauge string for the 1st string to maintain optimal tension and tone.