Overview

This is the FADGAD tuning, as described by the user: "tuning i use to noodle around with. really good for using open chords." It's a versatile and inspiring alternative to standard tuning, offering a unique sonic palette for creative exploration.

Verbal Analysis

FADGAD presents a rich, resonant soundscape that moves beyond conventional tunings. The low F provides a strong, earthy foundation, lending the tuning a deep, sometimes introspective character. The presence of two A's and two D's across different octaves creates a natural drone effect, making it very forgiving and inspiring for improvisational playing, or "noodling" as the user puts it. It's particularly well-suited for open chord voicings and fingerstyle playing where these sympathetic resonances can truly shine, enhancing the sustain and harmonic complexity. This tuning invites a sense of discovery, making it easy to unearth unique harmonies and melodies with minimal effort, perfect for songwriters looking for new inspiration or players seeking a richer, fuller sound.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning, from low to high, are F2-A2-D3-G3-A3-D4. This configuration significantly deviates from standard EADGBe, creating a distinct harmonic landscape. The open strings can be interpreted as a Dsus4 chord (D-G-A) with a foundational low F and an additional A, making it akin to a D minor 11th chord without the third (C) and fifth (E) in a typical voicing. The intervals between strings are:

• String 6 (F2) to String 5 (A2): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 4 (D3) to String 3 (G3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• String 3 (G3) to String 2 (A3): Major 2nd (2 semitones)
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

This structure, featuring multiple perfect fourths, creates a sense of open space and allows for powerful, ringing open chords. The repetition of A and D notes across different octaves provides a harmonic richness and facilitates interesting voicings with minimal finger movement. The G3 on the third string introduces a suspended quality, which can easily resolve or be used to create tension.

Open Chords & Reachable Shapes

FADGAD inherently lends itself to a strong D minor tonality with a suspended flavour, making it excellent for creating expansive chord voicings:

• Open Dsus4: Strumming all open strings (F-A-D-G-A-D) yields a powerful and resonant Dsus4 chord with the low F as a deep bass note. This is the natural home of the tuning.
• D minor Variations: By carefully muting the G string (String 3) or by fretting it, you can easily shift between Dsus4 and D minor sounds, or explore variations like Dmadd9.
• Barre Chords: The consistent Perfect 4th interval between strings 5-4, 4-3, and 2-1 simplifies the formation of movable barre chords. A single finger barring across frets can often yield full and unique voicings, particularly for D-rooted chords or chords built around the open string intervals. For instance, barring at the 2nd fret might give an interesting E minor-like chord, while barring at the 5th fret could yield A-centric sounds.
• Drone Textures: The duplicated A and D notes make it effortless to create sustained drone notes, which are especially effective in folk, ambient, or experimental music styles. This tuning provides a solid foundation for intricate fingerpicking patterns where open strings can ring out beneath fretted notes.

Tuning Notes

Here are the target notes for each string in FADGAD tuning, from thickest (String 6) to thinnest (String 1):

• String 6: F2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: G3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve FADGAD tuning from standard EADGBe, carefully adjust each string according to the instructions below:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2. (Tune up 1 semitones)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change from A2 (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change from D3 (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change from G3 (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3. (Tune down 2 semitones)
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4. (Tune down 2 semitones)

Important Note: When altering your guitar's tuning, always proceed with caution. Tuning up or down by more than 4 semitones from standard pitch can place excessive stress on your strings and the guitar's neck. For such drastic changes, a different gauge string set is generally recommended to ensure optimal playability and prevent potential damage to your instrument. The adjustments for FADGAD tuning are all within a safe range, but it's always good practice to tune slowly and carefully, listening to your guitar.