Tuning Overview: Low Baritone DADGAD Equivalent

This is an extremely low and resonant tuning designed for the Guitar, often described as "nice for progressive metal experimentation". As its name suggests, it mirrors the interval structure of the popular DADGAD tuning but transposed to a much lower register, starting on a powerful F1. The resulting open strings create a rich, suspended F sound, perfect for thick, droning textures and complex chord voicings.

Technical Analysis: F C F A# C F

The open tuning presents the notes F1-C2-F2-A#3 (Bb3)-C3-F3, from lowest to highest string. This configuration creates an open Fsus4 chord (F-Bb-C) with a strong fundamental and its perfect fifth (C) repeated across the lower and higher registers. The interval structure, mirroring DADGAD (Root-Perfect 5th-Root-Perfect 4th-Perfect 5th-Root), is precisely maintained here relative to the lowest F.

• Low End Foundation: The F1, C2, and F2 provide an incredibly deep and powerful bass response, making it ideal for heavy riffs and atmospheric soundscapes in genres like progressive metal or doom.
• Open Voicings: Strumming all open strings yields an Fsus4 chord, which has a distinct, open, and slightly ambiguous quality, avoiding standard major or minor tonality. This makes it versatile for different harmonic contexts and creates a sense of tension and release.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Barre Chords: Due to the consistent interval structure, barring across any fret will produce an analogous sus4 chord (e.g., a barre at the 1st fret gives F#sus4, 2nd fret Gsus4). This simplifies chord changes while maintaining the unique open tuning character.
  • Drone & Modal Playing: The open strings ring beautifully together, facilitating drone-based compositions and modal explorations. The A# (Bb) provides a unique, sometimes bluesy or jazzy touch when combined with the F and C.
  • Power Chords: The F-C-F structure on the lower strings makes it effortless to construct powerful, resonant power chords by simply muting or removing the A# (Bb) string from the voicing.
  • Expanded Voicings: Experiment with two-finger shapes or partial barres to find unique inversions and extensions that leverage the open strings. The inherent resonance makes even complex voicings sound full and rich.

How to Tune Your Guitar

This tuning involves significant drops in pitch for all strings. Due to the extreme nature of these changes (all strings being tuned down 9 to 11 semitones), a heavier gauge string set designed for baritone or extended range guitars is highly recommended to maintain proper string tension, intonation, and playability. Attempting this with standard gauge strings may result in very floppy strings, poor tone, and intonation issues. Please proceed with caution and consider professional setup if unsure.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 11 semitones from standard E2 to F1.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 9 semitones from standard A2 to C2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 9 semitones from standard D3 to F2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 9 semitones from standard G3 to A#3 (Bb3).
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 11 semitones from standard B3 to C3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 11 semitones from standard E4 to F3.