This unique tuning, originally known as BBDGBE and famously associated with the enigmatic British folk artist Nick Drake, is presented here a half step lower. It was notably used for his evocative songs 'Three Hours' and 'Fruit Tree'. Dropping every string a half step from its original (BBDGBE) configuration creates a deeper, more resonant soundscape that perfectly embodies the melancholic and introspective feel characteristic of Drake's music. It's an ideal tuning for intricate fingerstyle playing, allowing for rich, sustained harmonies and unexpected voicings.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to A#2, A#3, C#4, F#4, A#4, D#5, from low E to high e respectively. This arrangement forms an A# minor(add4) or A#m(add11) chord, consisting of the root (A#), minor third (C#), perfect fifth (F#), and an added perfect fourth (D#). The open A# notes on the 6th, 5th, and 2nd strings provide a strong, droning root and octave, anchoring the harmony. The C# on the 4th string firmly establishes the minor tonality, while the F# on the 3rd string provides the perfect fifth. The D# on the 1st string adds a distinct suspended quality (the 4th or 11th), creating a rich, complex texture within the minor framework. This specific voicing makes it relatively easy to imply minor chords across the fretboard with minimal fretting, often requiring just a single finger or a simple barre to complete more complex harmonies. Barre chords across the fretboard will generally maintain this interval relationship, transposing the A#m(add4) voicing. For example, a barre at the 1st fret would yield a Bm(add4) chord (BBDGBE), aligning with Nick Drake's original base tuning, and a barre at the 2nd fret would produce a C#m(add4) chord.

How to Tune

• 6th String (Low E to A#2): Tune down 6 semitones. (Note: This is a significant drop in pitch. For optimal string tension, tone, and to prevent string damage, especially if you plan to use this tuning frequently, a heavier gauge string set is strongly advised.)
• 5th String (A to A#3): Tune up 1 semitone.
• 4th String (D to C#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 3rd String (G to F#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 2nd String (B to A#4): Tune down 1 semitone.
• 1st String (High e to D#5): Tune down 1 semitone.