Verbal Analysis: Adrianne Lenker's "Come" Inspired Dsus4 Tuning

This unique tuning, aptly named "Dsus4," is inspired by Adrianne Lenker's evocative work, particularly her song "Come." It immediately establishes a rich, open, and resonant sound, characteristic of tunings that move beyond standard. The open strings create a strong D-centric harmonic landscape with a distinct suspended quality, but with added color. It invites a more atmospheric and less conventional approach to playing, perfect for fingerstyle arrangements, droning melodies, and intricate arpeggios. Players will find a deep resonance that provides a captivating backdrop for lyrical and melodic exploration, offering a broad sonic palette that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

Technical Analysis: Unpacking the Open Voicing

This tuning sets the strings to the notes D2-G2-D3-F#4-G3-A3 (from low E to high E). While named "Dsus4," the open chord formed by these strings is technically a D major triad (D-F#-A) with an added G (the 4th). This creates a D(add4) or Dadd11 voicing, offering a rich, suspended-major harmony rather than a pure Dsus4 (which would omit the F#). The open strings are:

• Low D (6th string): Provides a strong, fundamental root.
• G (5th string): A perfect fourth above the root D, creating the suspended quality.
• D (4th string): An octave above the low D, adding body and resonance.
• F# (3rd string): A major third above the D, which gives the chord its major character, distinguishing it from a strict sus4. This F# is quite high in the voicing.
• G (2nd string): Another perfect fourth, one octave above the 5th string G, reinforcing the suspended sound.
• A (1st string): A perfect fifth above D, completing the D triad foundation.

This arrangement offers a full, shimmering D chord with a suspended color in the open position. The unique F# on the 3rd string means that while you have the suspended G notes, you also have the major third, allowing for easy transitions between Dadd4 and D major voicings. This provides a versatile harmonic foundation, lending itself well to both melancholic and uplifting musical ideas.

Chords and Shapes Within Reach

The open tuning itself forms a beautiful D(add4) chord. Given the prevalence of D, G, and A notes, many chords built around these can be easily accessed. Barre chords will feel significantly different, opening up new sonic textures. Basic D major and Dsus4 shapes can be formed with minimal effort, and the open drone strings make it ideal for exploring modal melodies and harmonies. The unique intervals also make it conducive to creating interesting clusters and dissonances with simple fingerings, particularly in the higher registers where the F# and G notes are prominent.

How to Tune: Adjusting for the Dsus4 Sound

Achieving this unique Dsus4 tuning requires significant adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. Please pay particular attention to string movements exceeding 4 semitones, where a different gauge string is often advised.

• 6th String (Low E to D2): Tune down 2 semitones. This is a moderate drop and should be manageable with standard strings.
• 5th String (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones. Another moderate drop, generally safe for most string gauges.
• 4th String (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). This string remains at its standard pitch.
• 3rd String (G to F#4): Tune down 1 semitones. A minor adjustment, perfectly safe.
• 2nd String (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a significant drop. For movements of 4 semitones or more, a heavier gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension, tone, and intonation.
• 1st String (High E to A3): Tune down 7 semitones. This is a very substantial drop. For movements exceeding 4 semitones, a different gauge string is strongly advised to prevent floppiness, buzzing, and for better playability and tone.

Always tune carefully, listening closely, and check intonation after all strings are adjusted. Large changes in pitch can affect neck relief and string tension.

The 6th string (low E) is tuned to D2.

The 5th string (A) is tuned to G2.

The 4th string (D) is tuned to D3.

The 3rd string (G) is tuned to F#4.

The 2nd string (B) is tuned to G3.

The 1st string (high E) is tuned to A3.