The tuning known as "Fabdad" is described as "Fabulous Dad tuning is 👌. A must play weirdo tuning for middle aged men with offset guitars." This aptly captures its unique and somewhat unconventional character, promising an intriguing sonic adventure for those looking to explore beyond standard tunings.

Verbal Analysis

Fabdad tuning offers a distinctive soundscape, moving far from the familiar harmony of standard EADGBe. With a mix of strings tuned up, down, and one remaining at pitch, it creates an open, resonant, and often dramatic feel. The prevalence of F, A, and D across different octaves suggests a deep, drone-like quality, while the B note in the middle strings introduces a subtle tension or brightness. This tuning is ideal for experimental music, slide playing, or crafting original compositions that require a rich, slightly dissonant, and full-bodied resonance. It encourages exploration of new fingerings and chord shapes, liberating the player from conventional patterns.

Technical Analysis: F-A-B-D-A-D

The Fabdad tuning, from the 6th (lowest) to the 1st (highest) string, is configured as F2-A2-B2-D3-A3-D4. Let's break down the intervals and implications:

• The open strings present a collection of F, A, B, and D notes. This combination doesn't immediately form a simple major or minor chord but instead hints at more complex harmonic structures, possibly an Fmaj7#11 (F-A-C-E with a B as #11) or a Dsus2 with a b6 (D-E-A with F and B).
• The low F2 provides a solid, deep root. The A2 and A3 offer octave resonance, while the D3 and D4 create a powerful, octave-spanning D drone.
• The interval from string 6 (F2) to string 5 (A2) is a Major 3rd (4 semitones).
• From string 5 (A2) to string 4 (B2) is a Major 2nd (2 semitones), a relatively close interval.
• From string 4 (B2) to string 3 (D3) is a Minor 3rd (3 semitones).
• A significant jump occurs from string 3 (D3) to string 2 (A3), which is a Perfect 5th (7 semitones). This wide interval provides great flexibility for power chords and drone effects.
• Finally, string 2 (A3) to string 1 (D4) is a Perfect 4th (5 semitones).

The repetition of D (D3, D4) and A (A2, A3) notes across the tuning is a key feature, allowing for rich, resonant voicings and drone possibilities, particularly with the D notes. The B2 on the fourth string adds an intriguing colour, preventing it from settling into a straightforward F-A-D triad.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

• Open Strum: Strumming all open strings (F-A-B-D-A-D) produces a rich, suspended-like chord with an ambiguous tonality. It's not a standard major or minor, inviting creative interpretation. It could lean towards an F Lydian or D Dorian flavour due to the F-A-B-D structure.
• Drones: The octave D's (D3, D4) and A's (A2, A3) make it very easy to create ringing drone notes, especially if focusing on the higher three strings (D-A-D).
• Barre Chords: Due to the varied intervals, standard barre chord shapes will sound very different. However, barring across certain frets can yield surprisingly harmonious results:
  • Fret 2 Barre: G-B-C#-E-B-E. This creates an open and bright sound, effectively an Em7 or Gmaj6add9 chord, which is quite pleasing and accessible.
  • Fret 5 Barre: A-D-E-G-D-G. This yields an Am7/G (Am7 with an added G bass and another G on the high string), offering a softer, more jazzy or folky texture.
• Power Chords: The Perfect 5th interval between string 3 (D3) and string 2 (A3) makes two-finger power chords (root-5th) very easy on these strings, and similarly, between strings 2 (A3) and 1 (D4) where you get a 4th. These can be moved around the fretboard for powerful riffs.

Overall, Fabdad tuning is a fantastic playground for sonic sculptors, offering a unique palette of sounds that will inspire fresh ideas for compositions and improvisations.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Fabdad

To achieve the Fabdad tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. This is a minor adjustment.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2. It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2. This is a moderate drop.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. This is a significant drop, so proceed with care. Tuning down 5 semitones is beyond the recommended 4-semitone threshold, so a different gauge string is advised for optimal performance and string tension.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3. A minor drop.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4. Another minor drop.

Please note: Generally, tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (e.g., the 3rd string's 5-semitone drop) may benefit from using a different gauge string to maintain optimal tension and tone. Always tune carefully and listen to your instrument.

6th String: F2 (Low E string tuned up 1 semitone)

5th String: A2 (A string kept at standard pitch)

4th String: B2 (D string tuned down 3 semitones)

3rd String: D3 (G string tuned down 5 semitones)

2nd String: A3 (B string tuned down 2 semitones)

1st String: D4 (High E string tuned down 2 semitones)