How to Tune to Ulmer (DDADAD)
Associated with harmolodic jazz guitarist James Blood Ulmer, DDADAD tunes the guitar into pure D and A octaves and fifths for a wide, ringing, unison-heavy sound. Stripped of thirds, it lets the player define harmony melodically — the heart of Ornette Coleman's harmolodic approach.
Start in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E) and change 6 of 6 strings:
| String | Standard | Target | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|
| String 6 | E2 | D2 | Tune down a whole step |
| String 5 | A2 | D3 | Tune up 5 semitones |
| String 4 | D3 | A3 | Tune up 7 semitones |
| String 3 | G3 | D4 | Tune up 7 semitones |
| String 2 | B3 | A4 | Tune up 10 semitones |
| String 1 | E4 | D5 | Tune up 10 semitones |
String Tension & Setup Tips
Recommended Gauge:This spreads the strings across a wide range, pulling several strings well above standard pitch to reach the upper D's and A's. Tune up gradually and consider a custom set to avoid breaking the top strings.
Gear for Ulmer (DDADAD)
Tools that make tuning to D - D - A - D - A - D easier.
D'Addario Universal Micro Headstock Tuner
A headstock tuner makes switching in and out of this tuning quick, even on stage or without a mic.
D'Addario Pro-Winder (winder + cutter)
Retuning 6 strings means a lot of turning — a winder speeds it up and trims new strings too.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I tune to DDADAD?
From standard tuning (EADGBE), retune each string low to high: 6th E→D, 5th A→D, 4th D→A, 3rd G→D, 2nd B→A, 1st E→D. Match each string to its exact Hz using the interactive tuner above.
What is harmolodic tuning?
James Blood Ulmer's DDADAD removes thirds, leaving open fifths and octaves. This lets melody imply the harmony, a core idea of Ornette Coleman's harmolodic theory.