GDAD is indeed the standard tuning for an Irish Bouzouki, offering a rich, resonant sound highly suited for traditional Irish music. This tuning provides a versatile palette for accompanying melodies and playing instrumental tunes, recognized for its full-bodied tone and drone capabilities.

Technical Analysis

This tuning is structured around a series of perfect fifths and a perfect fourth, creating a characteristic Celtic soundscape. From the lowest string to the highest, the intervals are as follows:

• Between String 4 (G2) and String 3 (D3): A perfect fifth (7 semitones).
• Between String 3 (D3) and String 2 (A3): A perfect fifth (7 semitones).
• Between String 2 (A3) and String 1 (D4): A perfect fourth (5 semitones).

The presence of two D strings, specifically D3 and D4, creates a strong, ringing octave drone effect that is central to the Irish Bouzouki's sound. This tuning shares lineage with mandolin family instruments but distinguishes itself with the lower G and the unique GDAD configuration, contributing to its deep and sustained resonance.

Open Chords & Musical Implications

While the open tuning G-D-A-D doesn't strictly form a simple major or minor triad, it naturally supports certain tonal centers and makes specific chords exceptionally accessible:

• D Sus2 (D-A-D): The top three strings (D3-A3-D4) explicitly form a D suspended 2nd chord. This provides a clear path to open D major and D minor shapes, which are easily fretted.
• G Major Implication: With the lowest G string as the root, the tuning naturally harmonizes with G major and G Mixolydian scales, offering a robust bass foundation for tunes in G.
• Drone Quality: The repeated D notes across different octaves provide a powerful and sustained drone, a fundamental characteristic of traditional Irish music, allowing melodies to be played over a rich, continuous harmonic bed.
• Fifth Chord Shapes: The perfect fifth intervals between the lower strings facilitate the easy formation of power chords and efficient melodic playing across the fretboard, common in Celtic music.
• Accessible Chords: Chords such as G major, D major, A minor, and E minor are often within easy reach, requiring minimal finger movement from open positions due to the tuning's structure.

How to Tune to Standard Irish Bouzouki (GDAD)

This tuning requires significant adjustments, particularly if you are converting from a different standard bouzouki tuning or a guitar. Please proceed with caution, especially with the larger pitch increases mentioned below.

• String 4 (Lowest): Tune up 3 semitones to G2.
• String 3: Tune up 5 semitones to D3.
• String 2: Tune up 7 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune up 7 semitones to D4.

Important Note on String Gauge: As several strings require tuning up by 5 semitones or more (specifically 5 and 7 semitones for the D3, A3, and D4 strings), it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge specifically designed for this tuning. Tuning strings up significantly from their intended pitch can create excessive tension, increase the risk of string breakage, and potentially cause damage to your instrument's bridge or neck. Always consult your instrument's manufacturer or a qualified luthier if you are unsure about string gauges for extreme tunings, as lighter gauge strings are generally advised when tuning significantly higher than standard.