"EADGAD Tuning," also known as "Half standard-half DADGAD," is an innovative and versatile open tuning that bridges the familiarity of standard guitar tuning with the rich, suspended harmonies of DADGAD. As its name suggests, this tuning maintains the lowest four strings at their standard pitches (E, A, D, G) while adopting the higher string intervals of DADGAD (A, D). This hybrid approach offers a unique tonal palette, making it ideal for composers seeking to blend traditional chord structures with more open, droning sounds. It allows for the exploration of modal melodies and suspended chords, particularly in the higher registers, while providing a solid, familiar bass foundation.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2 A2 D3 G3 A3 D4.

• String 6 (E): E2 (Standard)
• String 5 (A): A2 (Standard)
• String 4 (D): D3 (Standard)
• String 3 (G): G3 (Standard)
• String 2 (B to A): A3 (Down 2 semitones from standard B)
• String 1 (E to D): D4 (Down 2 semitones from standard E)

The open strings of EADGAD (E-A-D-G-A-D) form an intriguing sonic landscape. While not a simple major or minor triad, the top four strings (D G A D) perfectly outline a Dsus4 chord, creating a suspended, open voicing highly characteristic of DADGAD. When including the lower strings, the full open tuning presents the notes E, A, D, G. This configuration suggests a Dsus4(add9) (D-G-A-E) or a Gsus2(add6) (G-A-D-E), both of which imply a rich, modal, and non-diatonic sound. This makes the tuning particularly suitable for fingerstyle, folk, and ambient music where open, sustained chords and drones are desired.

Due to its hybrid nature, EADGAD offers unique chordal possibilities. The standard E, A, D, G strings provide a familiar foundation for power chords and bass lines. Simultaneously, the DADGAD-like upper strings open up access to many of the beautiful, suspended voicings found in that tuning. Simple two-finger shapes can often yield complex and resonant chords. For instance, barreing across the top four strings (D G A D) at various frets will instantly provide suspended chord qualities. The open A and D on the high strings create a natural drone and allow for melodic improvisation that easily harmonizes with the lower standard strings.

How to Tune

To achieve EADGAD tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• 6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3. This will loosen the string slightly, so ensure it remains taut.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4. This will also loosen the string slightly.

All string adjustments are within a safe range (no more than 4 semitones up or down), so a change in string gauge is not necessary for this tuning.

6th String: E2

5th String: A2

4th String: D3

3rd String: G3

2nd String: A3

1st String: D4