"Quadeca's Picking Up Hands Open Tuning", also known as GADF#GD, is a unique and atmospheric guitar tuning, famously used by Quadeca in his song "Picking Up Hands." This tuning departs significantly from standard EADGBe, creating a soundscape that is both open and intricate, lending itself to rich melodic and harmonic textures.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes are G1-A2-D3-F#4-G3-D4 (low to high). This arrangement of notes presents a complex harmonic cluster: G, A, D, F#.

• When all strings are played open, the tuning offers a rich, suspended chord quality. It can be interpreted as a Dsus4(add9) (D-F#-A-G) with an open G bass, or a Gmaj7sus2(no3rd) (G-A-D-F#), highlighting its unique blend of major, suspended, and extended harmonies.
• The lower strings (G-A-D) provide a powerful, open foundation, while the upper strings (F#-G-D) introduce a melodic brightness.
• Chords like a D major triad (D-F#-A) are easily accessible across the open A, D, and F# strings (5th, 4th, 3rd strings).
• The repetitive G notes (6th and 2nd strings) along with the D notes (4th and 1st strings) create a resonant quality, allowing for drone-like playing and emphasizing the key of G or D.
• The interval of a major seventh (G to F#) on the 6th and 3rd strings, alongside the major second (G to A) on the 6th and 5th strings, contribute to a spacious and sometimes wistful feel.

Verbal Analysis & Playing Style

This tuning is perfect for creating expansive, ambient soundscapes, fingerstyle pieces with intricate harmonic movement, or even heavy, droning riffs. The open voicing provides a natural resonance and sustain, making it ideal for experimental or emotionally evocative music. The presence of suspended and extended harmonies in the open position encourages exploration beyond conventional chord shapes, leading to unexpected and beautiful voicings with minimal effort. It evokes a sense of introspection and atmospheric depth, characteristic of Quadeca's distinctive sound.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

To achieve this unique tuning, follow these precise string adjustments from standard EADGBe:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 9 semitones to G1. (Caution: A significant drop; consider a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone.)
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#4.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 4 semitones to G3. (Caution: This is a notable drop; ensure your guitar's neck can handle the change.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

Please note: For string movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to use a different gauge string to maintain proper tension and prevent potential damage to your instrument or strings. The 6th string in particular undergoes a very large change.

6th String: Tuned to G1 (an octave and a half below middle C).

5th String: Tuned to A2 (an octave below middle C).

4th String: Tuned to D3 (a perfect fifth below middle C).

3rd String: Tuned to F#4 (just below middle C, a semitone below G4).

2nd String: Tuned to G3 (just above middle C).

1st String: Tuned to D4 (a perfect fifth above middle C).