String Configuration
1(High E)
D4
293.66 Hz
2(String 2)
A3
220.00 Hz
3(String 3)
G3
196.00 Hz
4(String 4)
D3
146.83 Hz
5(String 5)
G2
98.00 Hz
6(Low E)
D2
73.42 Hz
Why Use This Tuning?
- •Beautiful modal drones
- •Open chord shapes
Keep in Mind
- •Non‑standard shapes
- •Limited common tabs
How to Tune Your Guitar
1
Tune low E to D
E2 → D2 (down 2 semitones)
2
Tune A to G
A2 → G2 (down 2 semitones)
3
Keep D at D
D3 → D3 (up 0 semitones)
4
Keep G at G
G3 → G3 (up 0 semitones)
5
Tune B to A
B3 → A3 (down 2 semitones)
6
Tune high E to D
E4 → D4 (down 2 semitones)
Essential Chord Shapes
D5 Drone
beginner000000
Open all strings
Famous Artists & Songs
Tony McManus
- • "Orkney tunes"
Practice Exercises
Modal Arpeggios
intermediateRight hand and tone
Arpeggiate D–G–A drones
Steps:
- 1.Slow even picking
- 2.Let open strings ring
Related Tunings
DADGAD Tuning
A modal tuning that creates rich, droning sounds perfect for Celtic, folk, and ambient music. Neither major nor minor.
Double Drop D
Both E strings tuned down to D (DADGBD). Rich drones for folk and rock.
Open D Tuning
Creates a D major chord when strummed open. Perfect for slide guitar, blues, and folk music with a bright, ringing tone.
Explore More Guitar Tunings
Discover new sounds and expand your playing with alternative tunings from around the world.