Open Badd4 Tuning Analysis

Open Badd4 is a unique and resonant guitar tuning. As described, it was discovered while adjusting from a DADF#BE setup, resulting in a fascinating harmonic structure. The tuning evokes a 'weird open thirds and fourths sound,' which truly highlights its unconventional and rich character. This setup is particularly effective for generating full, chordal voicings with minimal fingering, making it an excellent choice for intricate accompaniments or expansive, drone-like soundscapes. It offers a fresh perspective on chord shapes and melodic possibilities, moving beyond the familiar patterns of standard tunings.

Technical Breakdown

The Open Badd4 tuning sets the guitar strings (from lowest 6th to highest 1st) to the following notes: D#3, B2, D#4, F#4, B3, E4. When strummed open, these notes collectively form a rich Badd4 chord. This chord consists of a B Major triad (B, D#, F#) with an added perfect fourth (E). The presence of the root (B) on the 5th and 2nd strings, the major third (D#) on the 6th and 4th strings, the perfect fifth (F#) on the 3rd string, and the added perfect fourth (E) on the 1st string creates a full and harmonically intriguing voicing.

The intervallic relationships between adjacent strings are quite distinct:

• 6th String (D#3) to 5th String (B2): A descending perfect fifth (7 semitones).
• 5th String (B2) to 4th String (D#4): An ascending interval of an octave plus a major third (16 semitones).
• 4th String (D#4) to 3rd String (F#4): An ascending minor third (3 semitones).
• 3rd String (F#4) to 2nd String (B3): A descending perfect fifth (7 semitones).
• 2nd String (B3) to 1st String (E4): An ascending perfect fourth (5 semitones).

This unique combination of ascending and descending intervals, alongside the strong Badd4 foundation, makes the tuning highly adaptable for barre chords. By barring all strings at any fret, you can easily transpose the open Badd4 chord to other keys. For instance, a barre at the first fret would yield a Cadd4 (C, F, C, G, C, F). The tuning also facilitates interesting drone textures and allows for the easy discovery of power chords and modal voicings that leverage the B-D#-F#-E sonic palette.

How to Tune to Open Badd4

To achieve the Open Badd4 tuning, begin from standard EADGBe tuning and follow these specific adjustments. All string movements are within safe limits for standard string gauges, so a change in string gauge is not required.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone from E3 to D#3.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 1 semitone from D4 to D#4.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone from G4 to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The string remains at E4.

Here are the notes for each string in Open Badd4 tuning, from lowest (6th) to highest (1st):

• 6th String: D#3 (D sharp in the 3rd octave)
• 5th String: B2 (B in the 2nd octave)
• 4th String: D#4 (D sharp in the 4th octave)
• 3rd String: F#4 (F sharp in the 4th octave)
• 2nd String: B3 (B in the 3rd octave)
• 1st String: E4 (E in the 4th octave)