The "Nick Drake" tuning, a unique and expressive variation described as "A slight variation of Drop A tuning," offers a distinctive soundscape often associated with the melancholic and intricate fingerstyle of its namesake. This tuning heavily reconfigures the lower strings, creating deep, resonant bass tones and unexpected harmonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis:

In this tuning, the guitar strings are set to A1-A2-D3-E3-B3-E4 (low to high). The most striking feature is the dramatic drop of the 6th string from standard E to A, a full seven semitones down, creating a powerful low A. The 3rd string is also significantly altered, dropping from standard G to E, a minor third down. The 5th, 4th, 2nd, and 1st strings remain at their standard pitches (A, D, B, E respectively).

This configuration results in a unique harmonic structure. The open 6th and 5th strings both ring an A note, providing a rich, octave doubling bass foundation. The open 4th string (D) complements this, forming an A5 power chord (A-A-D) on the lower three strings. The upper three strings (E-B-E) form an E5 power chord. When strummed open, the full tuning (A-A-D-E-B-E) creates an intriguing sonic tapestry. It implies an A chord with a suspended 4th (D) and a 9th (B), underpinned by a strong E drone, giving it a somewhat ethereal and open quality. This tuning lends itself well to open, ringing voicings and provides a unique canvas for melodic exploration and complex fingerpicking patterns.

Potential Chords & Voicings:

• Open Strings: Strumming all open strings yields a complex A-based chord (A-A-D-E-B-E), which can be interpreted as an A(add4)/E or A(sus2sus4)/E, offering a rich, resonant drone.
• A Power Chords: The lower three strings (A-A-D) create an immediate and powerful A5. Barre chords across these strings will naturally form other power chords in a similar root-fifth structure.
• E-Based Voicings: The upper three strings (E-B-E) naturally form an E5 power chord, making it easy to integrate E-based voicings into the overall sound.
• Modal Harmony: The unique intervals, particularly the E on the 3rd string, encourage a different approach to chord shapes and scales, opening doors to modal and atmospheric harmonies. Many common chord shapes will need to be re-learned or adapted, leading to fresh sonic discoveries.

How to Tune:

To achieve the Nick Drake tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps. Please note that significant drops (like -7 semitones) might require a lighter gauge string for optimal playability and string tension. Tuning up more than 4 semitones (not applicable here, but generally) or down more than 4 semitones from standard should be approached with caution or a different gauge string.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones from E to A1. This is a significant drop; a different gauge string is advised for such a large change.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E4.

The notes for the Nick Drake tuning, from the thickest (6th) string to the thinnest (1st) string, are:

6th String: A1
5th String: A2
4th String: D3
3rd String: E3
2nd String: B3
1st String: E4