EACGAD: A Resonant Minor-Major Guitar Tuning

The EACGAD tuning is a unique and highly resonant setup for the guitar, blending familiar standard tuning elements with influences from open tunings like DADGAD. As described by its creator, it originated by keeping the lower two strings (E and A) in standard tuning, then adapting the upper strings with a DADGAD-like approach, with a crucial modification: tuning the 4th string (normally D) down to C to create a perfect 5th interval with the 3rd string (G). This thoughtful construction results in a versatile tuning perfect for exploring rich harmonic landscapes.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning offers a captivating sonic palette, immediately resonant and full when strummed open. The mix of major and minor qualities (E-A-C implying A minor or C major, with the G and D adding extensions) makes it incredibly versatile. It evokes moods ranging from melancholic and introspective to bright and expansive. Players accustomed to standard tuning will find the lowest two strings familiar, offering a solid foundation, while the re-tuned upper strings encourage fresh fingerings and chord shapes. It lends itself beautifully to fingerstyle arrangements, allowing complex voicings to ring out, but also provides a powerful, full-bodied sound for strumming, suitable for folk, contemporary acoustic, jazz, or even ambient music.

Technical Analysis

The open notes of this guitar tuning are E2-A2-C3-G3-A3-D4 (from low E to high E string). Let's break down the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (E2) to String 5 (A2): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (C3): Minor 3rd (m3)
• String 4 (C3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th (P4)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (A3): Major 2nd (M2)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th (P4)

The presence of a perfect 5th (C-G) on strings 4 and 3 provides a strong harmonic anchor. The frequent perfect 4ths across the tuning (E-A, C-G, A-D) create a sense of openness and make for relatively easy power chords and modal voicings. The minor 3rd (A-C) on strings 5 and 4, coupled with the notes E-A-C, strongly suggests an A minor triad or a C major triad in first inversion. The unique Major 2nd (G-A) interval between strings 3 and 2 adds an interesting tension and richness, moving away from typical fourths and thirds.

Open Chords & Playability

When strummed open, the notes E-A-C-G-A-D collectively form a rich chord. This can be interpreted in a few ways:

• C Major 6/9: With C as the root, the notes C-E-G-A-D create a beautiful C major triad with an added 6th (A) and 9th (D). This offers a bright, sophisticated sound.
• A Minor 11 (without 7th, or sus4/9): Interpreted from an A root, the notes A-C-E-G-D form an A minor chord (A-C-E) with a G (minor 7th) and D (11th). This provides a more introspective, jazzy feel.

The perfect 4ths make it relatively easy to transpose shapes up and down the neck, especially on strings 6-5, 4-3, and 2-1. The C-G perfect 5th on strings 4 and 3 is excellent for creating drone notes or powerful bass lines. The blend of familiar E-A bass strings with the re-tuned upper strings means that while new chord shapes will need to be learned, the fundamental understanding of the lowest notes can still ground improvisation and composition.

How to Tune to EACGAD

To achieve the EACGAD tuning, begin with your guitar in standard EADGBe tuning. The adjustments required for this tuning are generally small, making it safe for most standard string gauges. Here’s how to adjust each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones to C3. This is a downward movement.
• String 3 (G): Tune to G3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3. This is a downward movement.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4. This is a downward movement.

Tuning Safety Note: The string movements for this tuning are all within 2 semitones. These are relatively small adjustments and should not pose an issue for standard string gauges. Always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's neck relief is stable after any tuning change. If tuning up by more than 4 semitones, or down by more than 4 semitones, a different string gauge might be advised for optimal performance and string longevity, though this particular tuning does not exceed those recommendations.