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D#D#A#D#GA# Guitar Tuner

D#D#A#D#GA# | E♭E♭B♭E♭GB♭ Open D# Variant - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - Open D# Variant

I downtuned my guitar a lot so some of the strings (the A & B string I believe) couldn't be tuned back to standard tuning so this is the tuning I use instead

This highly customized guitar tuning, which we've named Adaptive D# Major Open Tuning, is a unique and deeply expressive setup. The creator's description suggests a tuning born from practical necessity, where certain strings could no longer return to standard pitch, leading to this creative and sonically rich adaptation.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine a soundscape rich with a massive, resonant low end, perfect for driving rhythms, atmospheric slide work, or drone-based compositions. This tuning offers exactly that. The combination of deep detuning and specific note choices creates a powerful D# Major tonality that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique due to its specific voicing. The doubled low D#s provide an incredible foundation, making the guitar feel immensely grounded and full.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D#3 D#3 A#3 D#4 G3 A#4 (from low to high). This arrangement explicitly forms a D# Major chord (D#, G, A#) across all six open strings. Specifically, the structure is Root (D#3), Root (D#3), Fifth (A#3), Root (D#4), Major Third (G3), Fifth (A#4).

  • Fundamental Voicing: The unison D#3 on the 6th and 5th strings creates an exceptionally thick and sustained bass foundation, perfect for heavy strumming or percussive techniques.
  • Major Harmony: The presence of the G3 (Major Third) on the 2nd string is crucial, defining the major quality of the open chord and offering immediate harmonic richness.
  • Chordal Opportunities:
    • Open D# Major: Strumming all strings open yields a powerful D# Major chord.
    • Movable Major Chords: By barring across any fret, you can effortlessly create other Major chords up and down the neck (e.g., barring at the 1st fret produces an E Major chord, 2nd fret an F Major, and so on).
    • Power Chords: The doubled low D# strings provide an ideal base for massive power chords. Simply muting the higher strings and playing the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (D# D# A#) forms a robust D#5 power chord.
    • Unique Voicings: The G3 on the 2nd string (the major third) provides easy access to interesting inversions and partial chords. For example, fretting the 3rd, 4th, and 5th strings in various ways can reveal minor or suspended voicings relative to D#.
    • Slide Guitar: Open Major tunings are quintessential for slide guitar. This D# Major tuning will allow for smooth, resonant glides through blues, rock, and folk styles, offering a broad tonal palette due to the lower pitch.

Due to the extensive downtuning, particularly on the 5th and 1st strings, using heavier gauge strings is highly recommended to maintain adequate string tension and intonation.



Tuning Overview and How to Tune

This section details the final pitch for each string and provides instructions on how to adjust your guitar from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning.

  • 6th String (Low E): The 6th String is tuned to D3#.
    To achieve this, tune the standard E2 string down 1 semitone. This is a minor adjustment, typically safe for standard string gauges.
  • 5th String (A): The 5th String is tuned to D3#.
    To achieve this, tune the standard A2 string down 6 semitones. This is a significant drop; heavier gauge strings are strongly advised to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent the string from feeling too slack.
  • 4th String (D): The 4th String is tuned to A3#.
    To achieve this, tune the standard D3 string down 4 semitones. As this is a substantial drop, consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal performance and playability.
  • 3rd String (G): The 3rd String is tuned to D4#.
    To achieve this, tune the standard G3 string down 4 semitones. Similarly, a heavier gauge string is recommended for this notable pitch drop.
  • 2nd String (B): The 2nd String is tuned to G3.
    To achieve this, tune the standard B3 string down 4 semitones. Again, a heavier gauge string would benefit the tension and feel of this string.
  • 1st String (High E): The 1st String is tuned to A4#.
    To achieve this, tune the standard E4 string down 6 semitones. This is a very significant drop. Employing a much heavier gauge string is highly recommended to prevent the string from becoming overly loose and to ensure good intonation.

General Note on String Gauges: For movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), or even reaching 4 semitones down, a different string gauge is generally advised to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability. Given the deep downtuning across most strings in this setup, a heavier set of strings overall will greatly enhance the experience.

D#
D#
A#
D#
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A#

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Capos for D#D#A#D#GA#

Capo Tuning Name
-1 DDADF#A Open D Variant
0 D#D#A#D#GA# Open D# Variant
1 EEBEG#B Winner's Blues (Sonic Youth)
2 FFCFAC Stills Open F Tuning
3 F#F#C#F#A#C# Dropped Open F#
4 GGDGBD Open G 12-string

Scales for D#D#A#D#GA#

A A# B C C# D

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Videos for D#D#A#D#GA# on

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5 different alternative tunings for the 3 string cigar box guitar
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