The 'EADACe' Tuning: A Creative Am7sus4/11 Landscape

The 'EADACe' tuning is a unique and expressive guitar alteration that deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, opening up fresh harmonic possibilities. This tuning takes an adventurous approach by raising specific strings, creating interesting intervals and readily accessible chord voicings, particularly an open A minor 7th sound with an added 4th. The name 'EADACe' clearly spells out the open notes from low E to high e, making it easy to remember.

Technical Analysis & Harmonic Landscape

In this 'EADACe' tuning for Guitar, the three lowest strings remain in standard EADGBe configuration, while the inner strings are altered:

• String 6 (Low E): Retains its standard E2 pitch.
• String 5 (A): Retains its standard A2 pitch.
• String 4 (D): Retains its standard D3 pitch.
• String 3 (G): Is tuned up two semitones from G3 to A3. This creates an octave with the open 5th string (A2) and a perfect fifth above the open 4th string (D3).
• String 2 (B): Is tuned up one semitone from B3 to C4. This forms a minor third interval with the new open 3rd string (A3) and creates a direct chord tone for A minor.
• String 1 (High E): Retains its standard E4 pitch.

The full open string notes for EADACe are E2 A2 D3 A3 C4 E4. This tuning results in a rich harmonic texture. When strummed open, strings 5 through 1 (A-D-A-C-E) form an A minor 7th chord (A-C-E) with an added D (the 4th or 11th). This creates an evocative A minor 7 sus4 or A minor 7 add 11 voicing, offering a mellow and versatile sonic palette.

A notable feature, as described, is the ability to form a sus2 chord using a 'power chord' shape. For instance, by playing the open 5th string (A), then fretting the 4th string at the 2nd fret (E), and the 3rd string at the 2nd fret (B), you achieve the notes A-E-B. This sequence is a clear A major sus2 chord (Root, Fifth, Second). This exemplifies how the altered intervals allow for familiar fingerings to yield new and interesting harmonic results.

The presence of multiple open fifths (E-A, A-D, D-A) makes it easy to create strong, resonant drones and power chord-like sounds across several strings, while the minor third (A-C) and major third (C-E) on the higher strings provide melodic and harmonic richness for arpeggios, lead lines, and more complex voicings.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'EADACe' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones. From G3, tune up to A3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 1 semitone. From B3, tune up to C4.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The note remains E4.

Note: Tuning up strings by 1 or 2 semitones is generally safe for standard gauge strings. For larger changes (exceeding 4 semitones up or down), a different string gauge is often recommended to maintain optimal tension and prevent string breakage.

The final tuning notes for 'EADACe' are:

• String 6: E2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: A3
• String 2: C4
• String 1: E4