EBGDAE Guitar Tuner

EBGDAE A Bad Idea - EBGDAE - Guitar tuning, chords & scales

Description - A Bad Idea - EBGDAE

Honestly I don't even know anymore. Alternatively tune D4 to D3.

Verbal Analysis: As the tuning's name, "A Bad Idea - EBGDAE," suggests, this is a highly unconventional and experimental tuning that veers significantly from standard guitar setups. The original description, "Honestly I don't even know anymore," perfectly encapsulates the chaotic and exploratory nature of this arrangement. It seems designed to challenge traditional fingerings and open up entirely new sonic possibilities, or perhaps, to induce a healthy dose of confusion! The mention of "Alternatively tune D4 to D3" suggests a potential variation or a recognized point of instability in the original design.

With open strings E-B-G-D-A-E (from low to high), this tuning doesn't immediately lend itself to common open chords, requiring a fresh approach to the fretboard. The overall collection of notes (E, B, G, D, A) creates a complex, ambiguous chord when strummed open, perhaps hinting at an E minor 7 with an added 4th (Em7add4), or a broader cluster of notes that defies simple categorization. However, a fascinating technical aspect emerges: this tuning features a consistent perfect fifth interval between three distinct pairs of strings:

6th String (E2) and 5th String (B2) - a Perfect 5th (E-B)
4th String (G3) and 3rd String (D4) - a Perfect 5th (G-D)
2nd String (A3) and 1st String (E3) - a Perfect 5th (A-E)

This structure suggests that power chords (root-fifth) will be readily available and consistent in shape across these pairs of strings, albeit with different root notes. This could open up interesting possibilities for riffing and drone effects, creating a sonic landscape that is both dissonant and harmonically intriguing.

Technical Analysis & String Gauge Considerations:

This tuning involves some extreme string tension adjustments, which necessitates careful consideration of your guitar's setup and string gauges. The most significant changes are on the 4th, 3rd, and 1st strings:

The 4th string (D) is tuned up 5 semitones to G3.
The 3rd string (G) is tuned up 7 semitones to D4.
The 1st string (High E) is tuned down a full octave (12 semitones) to E3.

Such significant changes, especially tuning up by 5 or 7 semitones, put considerable strain on the strings and potentially the guitar neck. Tuning down a full octave will make the string very slack. For tunings exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is strongly advised to use a different string gauge to avoid string breakage, intonation issues, or potential damage to your instrument. A heavier gauge would be recommended for the 4th and 3rd strings to handle the increased tension, while a significantly heavier gauge (or even a specialized string, depending on your desired tone) would be essential for the 1st string to maintain playability and tone when tuned down an entire octave.

How to Tune:

Approach this tuning with caution, especially with the drastic changes involved. It's recommended to loosen all strings first and then tune them up or down one by one, constantly checking your guitar's neck relief.

6th String (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E2 to E2.
5th String (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2. This is a moderate adjustment.
4th String (D): Tune up 5 semitones from D3 to G3. Caution: This is a significant increase in tension. Consider a heavier gauge string.
3rd String (G): Tune up 7 semitones from G3 to D4. Caution: This is a very significant increase in tension. A much heavier gauge string is strongly advised.
2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3. This is a moderate adjustment.
1st String (High E): Tune down 12 semitones from E4 to E3. Caution: This is an extreme decrease in tension (a full octave). This string will be very slack, and a significantly heavier gauge (or even a specialized string) is essential for playability and tone.