EGDGAD Tuning: A Suspended Sonic Landscape

Unleash a unique sonic palette with the EGDGAD tuning, a configuration that immediately evokes a sense of openness and suspended harmony. This tuning is explicitly described as being inspired by Sonic Youth's EGDGED, indicating its roots in experimental and alternative music, where unconventional tunings are used to craft distinctive and often dissonant yet resonant soundscapes on the guitar.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E-A-D-G-B-E guitar into E-G-D-G-A-D. Let's break down the intervals and implications:

• String 6 (Low E): Remains at E2, providing a foundational bass note.
• String 5 (A String): Tuned down two semitones from A to G2.
• String 4 (D String): Remains at D3.
• String 3 (G String): Remains at G3.
• String 2 (B String): Tuned down two semitones from B to A3.
• String 1 (High E String): Tuned down two semitones from E to D4.

The resulting open string notes are E2, G2, D3, G3, A3, D4. This is not a straightforward open major or minor chord. The sequence G-D-G-A-D on the top five strings forms a Gsus2 chord (G as root, D as fifth, A as second/ninth). When combined with the low E, it creates a rich, complex harmony, perhaps best described as an Em11sus2 or an E minor tonality with significant suspended elements. The repeated G and D notes across different octaves contribute to a resonant, drone-like quality, while the prominent 'A' note (on the second string) creates the signature suspended character.

Chordal Exploration and Musical Applications

The EGDGAD tuning excels in creating open, airy voicings and atmospheric textures. While traditional chord shapes will not translate directly, this tuning encourages a fresh approach to the fretboard:

• Open Chord: Strumming all open strings yields an intricate sound that is neither strictly major nor minor, but rather a suspended, resonant harmony, offering a vast landscape for melodic exploration.
• Gsus2 Voicings: By muting or ignoring the low E string, or fretting it at the 3rd fret to an open G (G-G-D-G-A-D), you can easily access rich Gsus2 voicings across the upper strings.
• Drone and Riffing: The repetition of D and G notes across the tuning makes it ideal for creating droning effects and two-note or three-note riffs that maintain a strong harmonic center.
• Experimental & Fingerstyle: This tuning is highly suited for experimental music, ambient soundscapes, and fingerstyle playing where individual string voicings can be highlighted. It naturally avoids conventional resolutions, leading to a more contemplative or avant-garde sound.
• Power Chords: While not its primary strength, simple power chord shapes on the lower strings (E-G-D) can still be effective, though their harmonic context will be influenced by the suspended upper strings.

This tuning is perfect for guitarists looking to break free from standard conventions and explore unique harmonic possibilities, particularly those drawn to the sonic territories explored by bands like Sonic Youth.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the EGDGAD tuning from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A String): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G.
• String 4 (D String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B String): Tune down 2 semitones from B to A.
• String 1 (High E String): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D.

All string movements are within safe limits for standard guitar strings, so a change of string gauge is not necessary for this tuning.

The open string notes for the EGDGAD tuning are as follows:

• String 6: E2 (Low E)
• String 5: G2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4 (High D)