Exploring DADDAD Tuning: Chords and Musical Expressions

The DADDAD guitar tuning, also known as the 'double D tuning,' opens up a world of unique chordal possibilities. This tuning can be expressed as D Major (D-A-D-D-A-D) or D Minor (D-A-D-F-A-D), providing a melancholic emotive sound. Here, we delve into the various chords available in this tuning and how they can enrich your musical palette.

Key Chords in DADDAD Tuning

D Major (D-A-D-D-A-D)

The D major chord in DADDAD tuning creates a bright and ringing tone. It contrasts beautifully with both D minor and other open-position chords, making it an essential part of any guitarist’s repertoire in this tuning. The rich and full sound of the open strings in DADDAD can be exploited to create a powerful and resonant musical experience, ideal for folk and country music. Try experimenting with these chords to see how they fit into your playing style:

D Major: D-A-D-D-A-D Dmaj7: 004600 D.Min7: X24600 D/F# (D sus4): 4x2600

D Minor (D-A-D-F-A-D)

The D minor chord in DADDAD tuning is particularly emotive and melancholic. It's often used in ballads and more moody compositions. Tuning the low E string up to a G allows for full G major chords, which have a rich and warm quality. Experimenting with these chords can lead to some beautiful and unique musical expressions:

G Major (D-G-D-B-D-G) E Minor (E-B-E-G-B-E)

A Major (A-D-A-D-A-D)

The A major chord in DADDAD tuning creates a bright and ringing tone that can contrast nicely with the D major and D minor chords. This chord is another important chord in this tuning and can be used to create a variety of musical expressions:

A Major: A-D-A-D-A-D A min7: X02600 A/F# (A sus4): 4x2600

First Fret Barre Chords

In DADDAD tuning, first-fret barre chords are available. For example, a I-IV-V progression in D can be played as follows:

I (D): Open D IV (G): Barre at fret 5 V (A): Barre at fret 7

One-Finger Barré Chords and Unique Variations

One-finger barré chords in DADDAD tuning can be particularly useful, such as the 'big ol G' at around 2:00 in a Steve Stills song, "Hey Mom." Here are some unique variations:

X13500 - Nice with fingerpicking X02622 - Barre on 2nd fret, lovely chord!

Notation: x means don’t play, 0 means an open string. Strings ordered from bass to treble.

Conclusion

DADDAD tuning provides a deep well of musical expressions through its unique set of chords. From D major and A major to D minor and G major, the open strings in DADDAD tuning create a lush, resonant sound that works particularly well for fingerstyle playing in folk and country music. Experimenting with these chords and progressions can bring out some beautiful and unique musical expressions, making DADDAD tuning a must-try for any guitarist wanting to explore new tonal landscapes.