Tuning Analysis: G A D E A B

The "G A D E A B" tuning, aptly described by its creator as "wacky" and reminiscent of "Sonic Youth-style tunings," is an exploration into non-standard harmonic territory. It builds on a unique 2nd-4th-2nd-4th-2nd interval pattern between its open strings, which sets it apart significantly from more common tunings. This distinctive architecture provides ready access to resonant unisons and powerful fifths, fostering a sound that is both expansive and harmonically rich. It's a tuning designed to inspire fresh melodic and chordal ideas, encouraging players to discover new fingerings and sonic textures that push beyond conventional guitar voicings.

Technical Breakdown

• Open Notes (Low to High): G2 A2 D3 E3 A3 B3
• Interval Pattern (between adjacent strings):
  • String 6 (G2) to String 5 (A2): Major 2nd
  • String 5 (A2) to String 4 (D3): Perfect 4th
  • String 4 (D3) to String 3 (E3): Major 2nd
  • String 3 (E3) to String 2 (A3): Perfect 4th
  • String 2 (A3) to String 1 (B3): Major 2nd
• Harmonic Potential: The open strings G-A-D-E-A-B collectively present the notes G, A, B, D, E. This configuration is highly resonant, featuring a G major triad (G-B-D) enriched with an added 9th (A) and a 6th/13th (E). The overall sound leans towards a bright, suspended quality, akin to a Gmaj9add6 or G Lydian sound, and is ideal for drone-based music or expansive, shimmering chords. The repetition of A across two strings (A2, A3) and the tight 2nd intervals offer unique melodic and harmonic possibilities, encouraging open string usage for rich textures.

Open Chord Possibilities and Shapes

This tuning unlocks a palette of chords that are both unique and surprisingly accessible:

• Open Strings (0-0-0-0-0-0): G2 A2 D3 E3 A3 B3. This chord is a rich Gmaj9add6 (G-A-B-D-E-A), providing a bright, open, and harmonically complex sound, often associated with a Lydian character.
• 0-10-0-10-0-10: This shape results in the notes G2, D4, D3, C5, A3, G5. Effectively, it's a powerful Gsus4add9 chord (G-C-D-A), leveraging multiple octaves and creating a dense, resonant texture.
• 10-0-10-0-10-0: Playing this produces C4, A2, G4, E3, D5, B3. When ordered, these notes are A, B, C, D, E, G, which forms a bright Am13 chord (A-C-E-G-B-D) or a Cmaj9add6 (C-E-G-B-D-A), offering a sophisticated, jazz-inflected sound with open resonance.
• 10-10-10-12-0-0: This yields C4, D4, G4, E4, A3, B3. Similar to the previous example, this creates an A, B, C, D, E, G collection of notes, resulting in another voicing of Am13 or Cmaj9add6, but with a different distribution of notes across the fretboard, making it sound slightly different while maintaining the complex harmonic foundation.
• 2-0-2-0-2-0: This simple, symmetrical shape produces A2, A2, E3, E3, B3, B3. This is a robust A5add9 (A-E-B) power chord, rich with unisons and octaves, providing immense volume and sustain, perfect for driving rhythmic parts.

How to Tune from Standard E Standard (E A D G B E)

To achieve the G A D E A B tuning, adjust each string from its standard pitch as follows:

• String 6 (Low E to G2): Tune up 3 semitones.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4 (D to D3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 3 (G to E3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• String 2 (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E to B3): Tune down 5 semitones.

Important Note: While these adjustments are necessary for the tuning, please be cautious with significant changes. Tuning a string up or down by more than 4 semitones can place undue stress on your strings and the guitar neck. For the 1st string (High E) which requires a 5-semitone drop, it is often advisable to consider a heavier string gauge to maintain proper tension and intonation, and to prevent potential string breakage or neck issues.

String 6 (Low E): G2

String 5 (A): A2

String 4 (D): D3

String 3 (G): E3

String 2 (B): A3

String 1 (High E): B3