Dans Open F Tuning: A Deep, Resonant Foundation

The "Dans Open F" tuning for Guitar is a captivating and deeply resonant configuration, as described: "tuned a tone down from an open g tuning (The one used in Pink Floyd's 'Fearless')". This means it's a particularly low and rich open tuning, offering a unique sonic landscape for songwriting and performance.

Technical Analysis & Open Chords

In this tuning, your open strings ring out as F2-F2-C3-F3-A3-A3 (from low to high). This immediately forms a powerful F Major chord. The doubled Fs on the lowest strings provide an incredibly deep and foundational root, while the doubled As on the highest strings add a rich, ringing third. The C in the middle acts as the perfect fifth, creating a full and resonant F Major sonority.

• String 6 (Low F): The root (F2), providing immense depth.
• String 5 (F): Another root (F2), reinforcing the low end.
• String 4 (C): The perfect fifth (C3), grounding the chord.
• String 3 (F): The root again (F3), adding body to the mid-range.
• String 2 (A): The major third (A3), giving the chord its bright quality.
• String 1 (High A): Another major third (A3), adding sparkle and sustain.

This open chord structure makes it incredibly easy to play major chords by simply barring across any fret. For example, a single finger barred across the 1st fret will yield an F# Major chord, the 2nd fret a G Major, and so on. This creates a very intuitive and melodic framework, particularly suited for slide guitar or heavy strumming where a full, resonant chord is desired with minimal fingering. The tuning also lends itself well to drone-based music or folk styles where a consistent root and third are central.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Dans Open F

To achieve the Dans Open F tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note the significant changes, especially on the 5th and 1st strings, and consider string gauge.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 1 semitone from E2 to F2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 4 semitones from A2 to F2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D3 to C3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 2 semitones from G3 to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 7 semitones from E4 to A3.

Important Note on String Gauge: Generally, tuning up 3 or 4 semitones from standard requires caution. When tuning down, if the change exceeds 4 semitones (either up or down), a different gauge string is strongly advised. For Dans Open F, the 5th string is tuned down 4 semitones, and the 1st string a full 7 semitones. Using strings designed for lower tunings will help maintain playability, intonation, and string life.

String 6 (Low E) is tuned to F2.

String 5 (A) is tuned to F2.

String 4 (D) is tuned to C3.

String 3 (G) is tuned to F3.

String 2 (B) is tuned to A3.

String 1 (High E) is tuned to A3.