The GADFAD Tuning: A Resonant Minor Landscape

The GADFAD tuning, named for its open string notes, offers a unique and resonant soundscape, born from experimentation with the G minor scale but proving surprisingly versatile for C major as well. This tuning transforms the standard guitar setup into an expressive canvas, rich with open voicings and drone possibilities.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets the open strings to G2 A2 D3 F3 A3 D4, from low E to high E. Let's break down the intervals:

• Low G to A (Strings 6-5): A Major Second (Whole Step).
• A to D (Strings 5-4): A Perfect Fourth.
• D to F (Strings 4-3): A Minor Third. This immediately establishes a strong D minor tonality with the subsequent strings.
• F to A (Strings 3-2): A Major Third. Completes a clear D minor triad (D-F-A) across strings 4, 3, and 2.
• A to D (Strings 2-1): A Perfect Fourth. Reinforces the D note, creating an open, ringing quality.

The open strings prominently feature a D minor triad (D-F-A) across the middle strings, which provides an immediate harmonic anchor. The low G and A add a strong bass foundation, allowing for a variety of modal explorations, particularly in G minor or D minor, as well as surprising compatibility with C major, as noted in its origin. The presence of two D's and two A's across the tuning also contributes to a rich, droning texture.

Verbal Analysis & Playing Impressions

GADFAD sounds full and resonant, particularly when strummed openly. The strong D minor voicing in the middle strings makes this an excellent tuning for blues, folk, or even rock styles that lean into minor keys. Barring across the upper three (or even four) strings can easily yield inversions of D minor or D major chords (by raising the F to F#). Moving a single finger can often create compelling melodic or harmonic shifts.

Possible Open Chords & Shapes:

• D minor (Dm): Strumming strings 4, 3, and 2 (D-F-A) yields a clear D minor chord. Including string 5 (A2) gives a D minor with an A in the bass (Dm/A).
• Gsus2/4: The full open tuning (G-A-D-F-A-D) creates a complex Gsus2/4 voicing with a minor 7th (F) and a natural 9th (A). This gives a very open, ethereal sound often found in folk or contemporary music.
• Power Chords: The perfect fourth intervals between strings 5-4 (A-D) and 2-1 (A-D) make it easy to form power chords by barring across these pairs. For instance, barring the 4th fret on strings 5 and 4 will give you C5.
• Drone Potential: The repeated D and A notes provide excellent drone possibilities, allowing melodies to be played over a sustained harmonic bed.

The original description mentions its origin from "screwing around with G minor scale, ended up working with C major too." This is quite accurate, as the notes (G, A, D, F) fit perfectly within both G natural minor and C major. This versatility makes GADFAD a great choice for composers looking for a fresh perspective in these keys.

How to Tune to GADFAD

To achieve the GADFAD tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these specific adjustments for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones from E2 to G2. (Note: Tuning up 3 semitones is a significant adjustment; proceed with caution and consider a heavier gauge string if you frequently use this tuning to avoid string breakage.)
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains A2.
• String 4 (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Remains D3.
• 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 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

Remember to always tune carefully, especially when making large adjustments to string tension. If tuning up more than 4 semitones or down more than 4 semitones from standard, it's often advisable to use a different string gauge to optimize playability and string longevity.

Open String Notes for GADFAD Tuning:

• String 6: G2
• String 5: A2
• String 4: D3
• String 3: F3
• String 2: A3
• String 1: D4