Verbal Analysis: 'THESUMMERENDS' Tuning

The 'THESUMMERENDS' tuning, also identified by the description "DADAWDAS", transforms your guitar into a vibrant and resonant soundscape. This tuning is perfect for creating lush sonic textures and is particularly well-suited for music that requires a bright, open, and sustaining quality. It simplifies the creation of rich, open harmonies, making it ideal for styles ranging from ambient soundscapes and folk fingerstyle to powerful, resonant strumming. The core of this tuning is its strong E Major voicing, providing an uplifting character and allowing for easy exploration into both familiar and unique chord voicings with minimal effort.

Technical Analysis: E-A-E-G#-B-E

This tuning modifies the standard EADGBE configuration with two precise adjustments: the 4th string (normally D) is tuned up 2 semitones to E3, and the 3rd string (normally G) is tuned up 1 semitone to G#4. The resulting open string notes are E2-A2-E3-G#4-B3-E4. This arrangement creates a powerful and full E Major chord (E-G#-B) across the open strings, reinforced by octaves of E and the inclusion of the A string (a perfect 4th above the low E). Strumming all open strings immediately yields a rich, resonant E Major chord, making it exceptionally easy to achieve drone effects or find compelling chord voicings with minimal fretting.

The open E Major triad means that many standard E-based chord shapes will feel natural and produce a very full sound. It also opens up possibilities for suspended chords or unique voicings due to the presence of the A string. This tuning is particularly conducive to slide guitar playing, as the open strings provide a solid, harmonic foundation. Chords such as an open E Major, A Major (by barring at the 5th fret, or using specific shapes), and B7 (by adapting standard shapes) will be readily accessible and resonant.

How to Tune: From Standard EADGBE

To achieve the 'THESUMMERENDS' tuning, follow these precise adjustments from standard EADGBE tuning. Please note the semitone movements for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): The note E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A): The note A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D to E3. Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune up 1 semitone from G to G#4. Tune up 1 semitones.
• String 2 (B): The note B3. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 1 (High E): The note E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).

All string adjustments are within safe limits, as no string is tuned up or down by more than 4 semitones. No special string gauge is typically required for this tuning.