Tuning Analysis: Guitalele Open G (DADGAD Transposition)

This unique tuning, originally labelled as "DADGAD guitalele," is specifically designed for the guitalele, a compact 6-string instrument. While its name suggests a DADGAD-like structure, a closer examination of the open string notes reveals it is fundamentally an Open G tuning, transposed to a higher register suitable for the guitalele's scale length and string tension.

Verbal Analysis

The open strings for this tuning are G2-D3-G3-C4-D4-G4. Strumming all open strings will produce a rich, resonant G Major chord, making it an excellent choice for styles that utilize slide guitar, drone effects, and straightforward major chord voicings. The intervallic structure (Root-5th-Root-4th-5th-Root) is inherently harmonic and versatile, popular in various genres for its expansive sound and ease of play in the root key. The tuning's description states it is 'DADGAD but for guitalele - the tension is too low so this is +7 semitones'. This suggests the intent was to achieve the intervallic character of DADGAD, but transposed significantly higher by seven semitones to compensate for the guitalele's naturally lower string tension, ensuring a brighter tone and proper playability on this smaller instrument.

With an Open G tuning, many common chords become intuitively accessible. A G Major chord is played simply by strumming all open strings. Barre chords are particularly easy to execute; a single finger laid across a fret will yield a major chord corresponding to the note at that fret (e.g., barring the 5th fret yields a C Major chord, barring the 7th fret yields a D Major chord). Other common chords like C Major and D Major can be easily formed with minimal finger placement, often utilizing the open strings for a beautiful, ringing quality.

Technical Analysis

This tuning targets a G-D-G-C-D-G configuration from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string. This is formally recognized as an Open G tuning. The intervals, relative to the root G, are as follows: unison/octave (G2), perfect fifth (D3), octave (G3), perfect fourth (C4), perfect fifth (D4), and octave (G4). The adjustments required, which involve tuning multiple strings significantly upwards, indicate a higher overall string tension compared to a standard guitalele tuning, which should contribute to a brighter sound and potentially increased sustain.

How to Tune

To achieve the Guitalele Open G (DADGAD Transposition) tuning, please follow these specific string adjustments:

• String 6 (Lowest String): Tune to G2 by tuning up 3 semitones.
• String 5: Tune to D3 by tuning up 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a substantial change. For this and similar large upward adjustments, a different gauge string is often advised to prevent breakage and avoid excessive tension on your instrument.
• String 4: Tune to G3 by tuning up 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a substantial change. For this and similar large upward adjustments, a different gauge string is often advised to prevent breakage and avoid excessive tension on your instrument.
• String 3: Tune to C4 by tuning up 5 semitones. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a substantial change. For this and similar large upward adjustments, a different gauge string is often advised to prevent breakage and avoid excessive tension on your instrument.
• String 2: Tune to D4 by tuning up 3 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune to G4 by tuning up 3 semitones.

Always tune carefully and monitor string tension, especially when making significant pitch adjustments. If you notice excessive tension or find it difficult to reach the target notes safely, considering a different string gauge or an alternative tuning might be more suitable for your instrument.

• String 6 (Lowest): G2
• String 5: D3
• String 4: G3
• String 3: C4
• String 2: D4
• String 1 (Highest): G4