Overview

This unique guitar tuning, named DGDFAE by its creator, was developed for an acoustic song in the key of D major. While the tuning's open notes lean more towards a minor tonality with suspended elements rather than a straightforward D major, it offers a rich and distinctive sound palette, making it ideal for creating evocative and atmospheric acoustic pieces.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument: Guitar
• Original Tuning Name: DGDFAE
• Core Notes: D2, G2, D3, F3, A3, E4 (from 6th to 1st string)

Analyzing the intervals from the lowest D (D2), the tuning consists of:

• D2 (Root)
• G2 (Perfect 4th above D)
• D3 (Octave above D2)
• F3 (Minor 3rd above D)
• A3 (Perfect 5th above D)
• E4 (Major 9th/2nd above D)

This configuration presents a D minor triad (D-F-A) at its core, but is significantly shaped by the inclusion of G (perfect 4th) on the 5th string and E (major 9th) on the 1st string. This creates a complex, suspended, and slightly melancholic character, rather than the bright sound often associated with D major.

Open Chords & Harmonics

When all strings are played open, the tuning produces a rich and complex voicing: D-G-D-F-A-E. This can be interpreted as a D minor 9th (D-F-A-E) with an added perfect 4th (G) in the bass, or a Dm9sus4. This unique stack of notes is not a simple major or minor chord, offering instead a drone-like quality with suspended tension. The low D-G-D offers a robust foundation for power chords or a Dsus4, while the D-F-A forms a clear D minor triad, providing melodic and harmonic versatility. Despite the creator's intention for a D major song, the natural F rather than F# suggests a bluesy, modal (e.g., D Dorian) or even a folk-inspired minor tonality.

How to Tune

To achieve the DGDFAE tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains E4.

Important Note on String Gauge: The adjustments for this tuning are relatively minor, with no string moving more than 2 semitones. This means standard string gauges should be perfectly suitable. However, as a general rule, if a string requires tuning up or down by more than 4 semitones (e.g., -5 or +5), it is advisable to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal tension, playability, and to prevent potential string breakage or buzzing.

6th String (Low E): Tuned to D2 (two octaves below middle C).

5th String (A): Tuned to G2 (a perfect fourth below middle C).

4th String (D): Tuned to D3 (an octave below middle C).

3rd String (G): Tuned to F3 (a minor third below middle C).

2nd String (B): Tuned to A3 (a major second below middle C).

1st String (High E): Tuned to E4 (a major second above middle C).