Verbal Analysis

The 'Dadd9/E Tuning' is a unique and resonant guitar tuning, crafting an open Dadd9 chord with a strong E in the bass. This creates a full, rich sound that evokes a sense of open landscapes and expansive harmonies. The tuning lends itself beautifully to acoustic fingerstyle, slide guitar, and ambient compositions, offering a foundation that is both bright and subtly melancholic due to its extended chordal nature. The low E string acts as a consistent drone, providing a stable root or pedal tone around which the other notes weave, making it ideal for creating intricate melodic lines over a sustained harmonic bed. It’s a tuning that encourages exploration beyond standard chord shapes, pushing players to discover new voicings and textures.

Technical Analysis

Technically, this tuning sets the open strings to E2, F#3, D3, F#4, A3, E4 (from low E to high E). The core notes D, F#, A form a D major triad, with the E acting as an added 9th. The bass E string gives it a Dadd9/E voicing. The wide interval jumps between some strings (e.g., F#3 to D3, D3 to F#4) create a distinct sonic landscape, challenging traditional chord voicings but opening up possibilities for unique arpeggios and drones. The repeated E on the 6th and 1st strings, and F# on the 5th and 3rd strings, provides harmonic depth and resonance, allowing for sustained, ringing tones.

Open Chords & Accessibility

The most immediate open chord available is a full Dadd9/E. By simply strumming all open strings, you achieve this rich, extended chord. Barring all strings at any fret will transpose this Dadd9/E shape up the neck, allowing for easy access to other add9/bass voicings (e.g., 2nd fret: Eadd9/F#; 5th fret: Aadd9/B). The specific arrangement of notes also facilitates two and three-note chord clusters, especially those involving the D, F#, and A notes, allowing for easy access to D major, Dsus2 (D-E-A), and Dsus4 (D-G-A, if G is fretted on 3rd string). The drone potential of the E strings is significant, enabling melodic improvisation over a static bass.

How to Tune

To achieve the Dadd9/E tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 3 semitones to F#. Target Note: F#3.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#. Target Note: F#4.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A. Target Note: A3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E4.

It's important to note that while all string movements are within a safe range for standard gauge strings (no movement exceeds +/- 3 semitones), always tune carefully and ensure your guitar's intonation remains stable after any significant tuning changes.

String 6: E2 (Low E string remains E2)

String 5: F#3 (A string is tuned down 3 semitones to F#3)

String 4: D3 (D string remains D3)

String 3: F#4 (G string is tuned down 1 semitone to F#4)

String 2: A3 (B string is tuned down 2 semitones to A3)

String 1: E4 (High E string remains E4)