Verbal Analysis

This tuning, aptly named Asus2/Esus4 (unison E), creates a wonderfully resonant and open soundscape. It's built around an open A suspended 2nd chord, giving it a rich, harmonically full character straight out of the box. A standout feature is the 'unison E' on the 3rd and 2nd strings, providing a unique drone potential and allowing for interesting melodic and harmonic interplay. This configuration makes it easy to "jam out on power chords down the middle" of the fretboard, suggesting a strong foundational rhythm capability due to the arrangement of fifths. The high A string adds a shimmering top end, and the tuning allows for effortless "toggling between the 4th and 5th on the high string," offering versatility for lead lines or melodic fills. The description notes a "very nice sounding six string major chord" which, while the open tuning itself is an Asus2, implies that the structure readily supports such chords with minimal fretting, creating a powerful and full sound. Overall, it's a tuning that feels expansive and inviting for ringing chords, arpeggios, and expressive melodic playing.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are: A1 - E2 - B2 - E3 - E3 - A3 (from low E to high E string). This arrangement forms an A suspended 2nd chord (A-B-E) across the open strings, creating a strong harmonic foundation. The 'Asus2/Esus4' name reflects the primary chordal voicings available directly from the open strings.

• 6th String (A1) to 5th String (E2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• 5th String (E2) to 4th String (B2): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• 4th String (B2) to 3rd String (E3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)
• 3rd String (E3) to 2nd String (E3): Unison (0 semitones) – This is the core 'unison E' feature, providing excellent drone capabilities and doubling the E note.
• 2nd String (E3) to 1st String (A3): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

The tuning primarily features perfect 5ths and 4ths, with the unique unison E, which makes many power chord and open chord voicings easily accessible. The strong presence of A and E creates a clear tonal center. The significant down-tuning across all strings suggests that players will experience considerably lower string tension compared to standard tuning. To maintain optimal playability, intonation stability, and prevent excessive floppiness, particularly for the lowest string and the strings dropped by 7 semitones, it is highly recommended to use a heavier gauge string set.

How to Tune: Asus2/Esus4 (unison E)

To achieve the Asus2/Esus4 (unison E) tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings from standard EADGBe tuning as follows. Please take note of the significant drops. For string movements exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down), a different gauge string set is generally advised to maintain optimal tension and intonation.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 7 semitones from E2 to A1. This is a substantial drop and falls within the range where a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones from A2 to E2. This is a significant drop and falls within the range where a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
• 3rd String (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 7 semitones from B3 to E3. This is a substantial drop and falls within the range where a heavier gauge string is recommended.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 7 semitones from E4 to A3. This is a substantial drop and falls within the range where a heavier gauge string is recommended.