This unique tuning, aptly named 'Offtune Blues', is described by its creator as ideal for fingerpicking with a bottleneck slide, offering an 'off-key but authentic' sound that is hard to forget. It’s a tuning designed to evoke strong feelings – you'll either 'love it or hate it' – and promises a distinctive sonic palette unlike more conventional blues tunings.

Technical Analysis

The tuning sets the guitar to D G D G G D, from the lowest string (6th) to the highest (1st). This configuration is a significant departure from standard EADGBe tuning and even common open tunings. Observing the intervals, we have a D root, followed by G (a perfect fourth above D), then another D (octave of the root), another G (octave of the perfect fourth), a repeated G on the 2nd string, and finally a D (another octave of the root). This creates a heavily weighted Dsus4 sound, specifically emphasizing the root and the fourth, with a strong presence of G. The absence of a major or minor third (F# or F) gives it an open, ambiguous, and somewhat melancholic or drone-like quality, which perfectly aligns with the 'off-key but authentic' description for blues. The doubling of the G note on the 3rd and 2nd strings creates a rich, thick unison or octave effect when played open, enhancing its suitability for slide work.

Open Chords & Harmonies

When played open, the tuning inherently presents a Dsus4 chord (D-G-D-G-G-D). This chord, with its suspended fourth, avoids the traditional major/minor tonality, contributing to its bluesy, 'off-key' character. By barring across all six strings, you can easily access other sus4 chords. For instance, barring at the 5th fret yields a Gsus4 (G-C-G-C-C-G), and at the 7th fret, an Asus4 (A-D-A-D-D-A). The consistent intervals across the strings make these barred shapes highly resonant and straightforward to play. The specific arrangement, especially the unison/octave Gs, lends itself well to drone-based melodies and single-note lines with a slide, allowing for expressive bends and glissandos that exploit the tuning's unique harmonic landscape.

How to Tune

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2. This is a moderate adjustment.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2. This is a moderate adjustment.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) on D to D3. This string remains in standard pitch.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) on G to G3. This string remains in standard pitch.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B to G3. This is a significant drop. While generally manageable with standard gauge strings, players may notice reduced tension. If you find the string too slack or wish for more attack, consider a slightly heavier gauge B-string for this tuning.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D4. This is a moderate adjustment.

String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.

String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.

String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) on D to D3.

String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) on G to G3.

String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B to G3.

String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D4.