Verbal Analysis:

The BADE Drone Tuning, with its unique open notes of B2 A2 D3 A3 B3 E4 from low to high, creates a distinctive and resonant sonic palette. This tuning significantly departs from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, offering a soundscape that is both rich and atmospheric. The strategic repetition of 'A' and 'B' notes across different octaves (A2/A3 and B2/B3) is a hallmark of this tuning, enabling powerful drone effects that can underpin experimental, ambient, or heavy rock compositions. The open strings, when strummed together, don't immediately form a conventional major or minor triad but rather evoke a complex suspended or power chord sound, encouraging players to explore novel harmonic textures and chord voicings. It's an excellent choice for musicians looking to break away from traditional guitar voicings and delve into more open, resonant sound explorations.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is configured as B2-A2-D3-A3-B3-E4 (low to high). Let's break down its characteristics:

• Open String Notes: The full open chord consists of B, A, D, A, B, E. When analyzed, this resembles an A suspended 2nd and 4th chord (A, B, D, E) with a strong, deep B pedal tone from the lowest string.
• Interval Relationships:
  • The 5th (A2) and 3rd (A3) strings are tuned to A, creating a resonant octave.
  • The 6th (B2) and 2nd (B3) strings are tuned to B, also forming a resonant octave.
  • The interval from the 6th string (B2) to the 5th string (A2) is a major 7th down, or a minor 2nd up, creating an immediate tension or a strong drone base.
  • The 4th string (D3) acts as a perfect 4th above the 5th string's A2, and a minor 3rd above the low B.
  • The 1st string (E4) is a perfect 5th above the A string (A3) and a perfect 4th above the B string (B3), providing a clear top-end resonance.
• Chordal Possibilities:
  • Open Strum: Strumming all open strings yields a rich, complex sonority that is neither strictly major nor minor, but instead offers a powerful suspended or drone-like quality, ideal for atmospheric textures.
  • Power Chords: The presence of A (strings 5 and 3), D (string 4), and E (string 1) allows for easily accessible power chords (A5, D5, E5) by simply muting or avoiding certain strings. For example, playing strings 5, 4, 3 (A, D, A) can yield interesting clusters.
  • Drone Textures: The repeated A and B notes across octaves are perfect for creating sustained drones, especially when combined with open D and E, providing a canvas for melodic improvisation.
  • Explorative Voicings: Players will find that traditional chord shapes need to be rethought. Simple two-finger or barre shapes will generate unique and often surprising voicings, opening doors to modern and experimental harmonic ideas.

How to Tune (from Standard EADGBe):

Please note: Extreme string tension changes can be risky. For movements exceeding 4 semitones up or down, considering a different string gauge is highly recommended to ensure instrument safety and optimal playability.

• String 6 (Low E string): Tune up 7 semitones from E2 to B2. Caution: This is a significant upward tension increase. Consider using a heavier gauge string for optimal stability and to prevent potential damage.
• String 5 (A string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from A2.
• String 4 (D string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from D3.
• String 3 (G string): Tune up 2 semitones from G3 to A3.
• String 2 (B string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3.
• String 1 (High E string): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4.