The GBGBDA tuning presents a rich and resonant soundscape, diverging significantly from standard EADGBe. It's an imaginative open tuning that immediately evokes a powerful, full-bodied chord when strummed open.

Verbal Analysis

Verbally, this tuning feels expansive and bright, yet grounded by the low G. Strumming all open strings yields a vibrant G add9 chord (G-D-G-B-D-A), making it instantly harmonically rich. The repeated G and D notes across the strings create a strong, droning foundation typical of open tunings, perfect for slide guitar, folk, blues, and rock styles where a sustained, ringing quality is desired. The inclusion of the high A (the 9th) over a G major triad adds a sophisticated shimmer, preventing it from being just a simple major chord. It encourages melodic playing over the open drone and facilitates easy access to G major-based voicings simply by barring across frets. Chords in the key of G will feel naturally accessible, and the unique intervals invite exploration beyond conventional shapes.

Technical Analysis

• String 6 (Low E to G2): Tuned up 3 semitones. This establishes the root G in the bass.
• String 5 (A to D3): Tuned up 5 semitones. Provides the perfect fifth, D, to the G root.
• String 4 (D to G3): Tuned up 5 semitones. Reinforces the G root an octave higher.
• String 3 (G to B3): Tuned up 4 semitones. Provides the major third, B, defining the G chord as major.
• String 2 (B to D4): Tuned up 3 semitones. Offers another perfect fifth, D, further enriching the chord.
• String 1 (High E to A4): Tuned up 5 semitones. This brings in the A (the 9th), creating the G add9 open chord.

The open strings collectively form a G add9 chord (G2-D3-G3-B3-D4-A4). This structure makes playing various G-family chords very intuitive; a simple barre at the first fret yields a G# add9, at the second fret an A add9, and so on. The stacked G, D, B notes provide a strong harmonic foundation, while the high A adds an open, ringing quality that can be very expressive. This tuning is excellent for creating full, chiming arpeggios and rich, sustained chords.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe)

Please note: All strings are tuned up significantly. For movements of 4 semitones or more, a different gauge string set is strongly advised to prevent string breakage and undue tension on your guitar's neck. Proceed with caution and ensure your instrument can handle the increased tension.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune up 3 semitones to G2. (Care advised: Significant tension increase).
• String 5 (A): Tune up 5 semitones to D3. (Caution: This is a very significant tension increase. A lighter gauge string set or professional setup is highly advised to prevent string breakage and neck damage).
• String 4 (D): Tune up 5 semitones to G3. (Caution: This is a very significant tension increase. A lighter gauge string set or professional setup is highly advised to prevent string breakage and neck damage).
• String 3 (G): Tune up 4 semitones to B3. (Caution: This is a significant tension increase. A lighter gauge string set or professional setup is advised).
• String 2 (B): Tune up 3 semitones to D4. (Care advised: Significant tension increase).
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 5 semitones to A4. (Caution: This is a very significant tension increase. A lighter gauge string set or professional setup is highly advised to prevent string breakage and neck damage).

Here are the notes for each string in GBGBDA tuning, from thickest to thinnest:

• String 6: G2
• String 5: D3
• String 4: G3
• String 3: B3
• String 2: D4
• String 1: A4