Understanding the EADGDG Tuning

Verbal Analysis

The EADGDG tuning offers a unique and resonant sonic landscape, blending the familiarity of standard lower strings with the ringing qualities often found in open tunings. When strummed open, this tuning produces a rich Em11 chord (E-A-D-G-D-G), providing a melancholic yet full-bodied foundation. It's particularly well-suited for folk, rock, and blues, where drone notes and modal explorations are desired. The upper strings (G-D-G) provide a strong G major arpeggio, making it easy to evoke a sense of G major despite the overall E minor flavor. This duality allows for creative interplay between minor and major tonalities, making it a favorite for fingerstyle players seeking intricate voicings and slide enthusiasts looking for new sonic textures.

Chords that become easily accessible include those derived from Open G-like shapes on the upper strings. Barring across the first three or four strings (G D G or D G D G) allows for instant major or sus2 chords. For example, a single-finger barre at the 5th fret across strings 1-4 (G-D-G-D) will give you a C major sound. When combined with the open E and A bass strings, this opens up a world of complex yet intuitive voicings. The drone-like qualities of the G and D notes on the top strings make it ideal for sustained melodies and atmospheric playing.

Technical Analysis

The EADGDG tuning deviates from standard EADGBE by adjusting the two highest strings:

• String 6 (Low E): Retains its standard E2 note.
• String 5 (A): Retains its standard A2 note.
• String 4 (D): Retains its standard D3 note.
• String 3 (G): Retains its standard G3 note.
• String 2 (B): Tuned UP 3 semitones from B3 to D4.
• String 1 (High E): Tuned UP 3 semitones from E4 to G4.

The resulting open string notes are E2-A2-D3-G3-D4-G4. This interval structure creates an Em11 chord (E, A, D, G). The consecutive G and D notes on strings 3, 2, and 1 (G3-D4-G4) provide a strong octave G with a perfect fifth, characteristic of many Open G tunings. The presence of the open A string allows for an open A minor chord by simply muting the low E string and barring across the top four strings (D G D G) at the 2nd fret, or an open G major by barring the top 4 strings at the 0 fret and ignoring the E and A strings. This unique combination makes it highly versatile for both strumming and intricate fingerpicking patterns.

How to Tune Your Guitar to EADGDG

To achieve the EADGDG tuning, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B in Standard): Tune up 3 semitones to D4. Please note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant change. Proceed with caution to avoid string breakage. If this tuning is used frequently, consider using a lighter gauge string for the 2nd string.
• String 1 (High E in Standard): Tune up 3 semitones to G4. Please note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant change. Proceed with caution to avoid string breakage. If this tuning is used frequently, consider using a lighter gauge string for the 1st string.

String 6: E2 (Low E)

String 5: A2

String 4: D3

String 3: G3

String 2: D4

String 1: G4 (High G)