The "G D A D F# A" tuning is a distinctive and harmonically rich setup for guitar, offering a bright and resonant soundscape. Verbally, this tuning presents a sound akin to playing in Open D tuning (D A E A C# E) but with a capo placed at the fifth fret, effectively transposing all notes by five semitones. This results in a vibrant, almost ethereal quality, where open chords resonate with unique extensions and harmonic possibilities.

Technically, the open string notes are G2 D3 A3 D4 F#5 A4. This tuning deviates significantly from standard EADGBe, with all strings tuned up. The lowest string is a G (the root), followed by its fifth (D), then a ninth (A), another fifth (D an octave higher), a striking F# (which functions as a major seventh relative to G, or a major third relative to D), and finally another A (a higher ninth). This arrangement creates a complex open chord: a G Major 7th suspended 2nd, or Gmaj7sus2, with a strong D resonance. The inclusion of the F#5 on the second string is particularly noteworthy; it is an extremely high note, contributing to a shimmering treble register but also indicating significantly increased string tension.

Due to its unique intervals, this tuning opens up a world of sonic textures. Sliding across the fretboard with a single finger often yields rich, consonant harmonies, similar to how open tunings facilitate drone-based playing. Chords that might be challenging in standard tuning become accessible with simplified fingerings. For instance, an open G-like sound is naturally present, but with the added color of the 9th and Major 7th. Barre chords across the fretboard will naturally produce harmonically complex variations of major and minor chords, often with added extensions or suspended qualities. The high tension on most strings, especially the F#5, should be carefully considered, and a lighter gauge string set is highly recommended to prevent breakage and ensure comfortable playability.

How to Tune Your Guitar to G D A D F# A

To achieve the "G D A D F# A" tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, you will need to adjust each string as follows. Please exercise caution when tuning up significantly, as it increases string tension. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, it is generally advised to consider a different gauge string to prevent breakage and ensure optimal playability.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2.
• 5th String (A): Tune up 5 semitones to D3. (Caution: This is a significant upward adjustment; a lighter gauge string is advised.)
• 4th String (D): Tune up 7 semitones to A3. (Caution: This is a significant upward adjustment; a lighter gauge string is advised.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 7 semitones to D4. (Caution: This is a significant upward adjustment; a lighter gauge string is advised.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 7 semitones to F#5. (Extreme Caution: This is a very substantial upward adjustment, resulting in an exceptionally high pitch. A much lighter gauge string is highly recommended, and even then, string breakage is a significant risk.)
• 1st String (High e): Tune up 5 semitones to A4. (Caution: This is a significant upward adjustment; a lighter gauge string is advised.)

Here are the notes for each string, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st):

• 6th String: G2 (Low G)
• 5th String: D3 (D an octave below middle C)
• 4th String: A3 (A below middle C)
• 3rd String: D4 (Middle D)
• 2nd String: F#5 (A very high F#)
• 1st String: A4 (A above middle C)