About This Tuning: Jacob Collier's DAEABE (Capo 1)

This fascinating and highly expressive guitar tuning, famously utilized by the ingenious musician Jacob Collier, is a true playground for adventurous players. While the open strings themselves are tuned to D# A# F A# C E, the magic truly unfolds when a capo is placed on the 1st fret, effectively transposing the open strings to a vibrant D A E A B E.

Verbal Analysis

Often described as one of Collier's "all-time fave" tunings, its appeal lies in its rich, open resonance and the unique harmonic possibilities it unlocks. With the capo at the first fret, the effective D A E A B E setup provides a bright, soaring quality. It's a tuning that encourages exploration beyond traditional voicings, lending itself beautifully to complex harmonies, intricate melodic lines, and a distinctive, almost orchestral texture. This tuning fosters a sense of freedom on the fretboard, making it ideal for experimental jazz, contemporary pop, and any genre seeking a fresh harmonic palette.

Technical Analysis & Chord Possibilities

The actual open string notes are (from low to high): D#3, A#3, F3, A#4, C4, E4. However, for practical purposes, it's the capoed D A E A B E that defines its character.

With the capo at the 1st fret, the open strings (from low E to high E) effectively become:

• Low D (equivalent to Standard E string at 1st fret)
• A (equivalent to Standard A string at 1st fret)
• E (equivalent to Standard D string at 1st fret)
• High A (equivalent to Standard G string at 1st fret)
• B (equivalent to Standard B string at 1st fret)
• High E (equivalent to Standard high E string at 1st fret)

This configuration of D A E A B E contains the notes D, A, E, B. When strummed open, this creates a rich, extended D major sound, specifically a Dadd9add6 (D, E, A, B) or potentially an Amaj13sus4 without the root. The prominent perfect fifths (D-A, A-E) and fourths (E-A, B-E) create a very stable and resonant foundation, allowing for sustained drones and arpeggios that shimmer with harmonic depth. The repeated 'A' note (on strings 5 and 3 with capo) adds to this resonance.

Within reach are various open chords and shapes that would be challenging in standard tuning. Common chord voicings for D major and A major will feel expansive and ringing. Exploring chord shapes based around the open D, A, E, B notes will reveal beautiful, complex voicings. The intervals also lend themselves to open power chords and suspended chords with ease, inviting a highly melodic and harmonic approach to playing. This tuning encourages a horizontal movement across the fretboard to find new chord inversions and melodies.

How to Tune

To achieve this unique tuning, follow these specific string adjustments from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). Remember to apply a capo on the 1st fret *after* tuning to get the effective D A E A B E open sound.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone to D#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 1 semitone to A#3.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 3 semitones to F3. Please take care when tuning up this string.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 3 semitones to A#4. Please take care when tuning up this string.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to C4.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

Important Note: When tuning up by 3 or more semitones, it's advisable to proceed with caution to avoid string breakage. For changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is recommended.

Open String Notes (without capo)

Here are the specific notes for each open string, from the thickest (6th) to the thinnest (1st):

• 6th String: D#3
• 5th String: A#3
• 4th String: F3
• 3rd String: A#4
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: E4

Remember, a capo on the 1st fret will transpose these notes to an effective D A E A B E, which is how Jacob Collier famously uses this tuning.