This unique and evocative tuning, famously utilized by the enigmatic British singer-songwriter Nick Drake, offers a distinct sonic landscape that is both rich and melancholic. It is a compelling variation of Open G tuning, characterized by its open, resonant quality and the absence of a major third, leading to a suspended, dreamlike sound. This tuning, designed for the Guitar, excels in fingerstyle arrangements, allowing for intricate melodic lines to weave through open, droning chords, creating a sound often associated with expressive folk music and introspective ballads.

Technical Analysis: D-G-D-G-A-D Tuning

• Overall Structure: The tuning from low to high is D2-G2-D3-G3-A3-D4.
• Relationship to Standard Tuning: Compared to standard E-A-D-G-B-E, the 6th (low E), 5th (A), 2nd (B), and 1st (high E) strings are all lowered by a whole step (2 semitones). The 4th (D) and 3rd (G) strings remain at their standard pitch.
• Open Chord Voicing: When strummed open, this tuning produces a beautiful and full Gsus2 chord (G, D, A) with multiple octaves and fifths. Specifically, the notes are D (5th of G), G (Root), D (5th), G (Octave), A (Major 9th), D (5th). The prominent A note on the 2nd string (instead of the B in standard Open G) is central to its unique suspended and slightly melancholic character.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Open Chords: The open strings directly yield a resonant Gsus2 chord. Due to the consistent intervals, barring across all six strings at any fret will easily produce a sus2 chord based on the root note found on the 5th string at that specific fret. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret would yield an Asus2, at the 5th fret a Dsus2, and so on.
  • Accessible Shapes: The D-G-D-G-A-D pattern makes it intuitive to find various suspended, open, and drone-like chords. The repeated D and G notes across different octaves provide a strong foundation for rich harmonic textures, encouraging exploration of melodic lines against sustained bass notes. Many common open-position chord shapes from Open G tuning can be adapted with the B-string-to-A adjustment in mind, opening up new melodic and harmonic ideas.

How to Tune

To achieve the Nick Drake tuning for your Guitar from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these precise string movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones to G2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Important Note: All string adjustments in this tuning involve tuning down by 2 semitones. This is a moderate and safe adjustment for most standard guitar string gauges and typically does not require a change in string gauge or special precautions.

String 6 (D2): The low E string is tuned down a full step to D2, providing a deep, resonant bass foundation that anchors the entire tuning.

String 5 (G2): The A string is tuned down a full step to G2, establishing the primary root of the open Gsus2 chord.

String 4 (D3): The D string remains at its standard D3 pitch, serving as a powerful fifth of the open Gsus2 chord, adding depth to the harmony.

String 3 (G3): The G string remains at its standard G3 pitch, reinforcing the root an octave higher and contributing to the open, ringing quality.

String 2 (A3): The B string is tuned down a full step to A3, introducing the distinctive major ninth (A) of the Gsus2 chord, which is central to this tuning's melancholic and suspended character.

String 1 (D4): The high E string is tuned down a full step to D4, completing the chord with another fifth, adding brightness and sparkle to the overall sound.