The B Minor Enigma Drone Tuning (BADGCE - Open Bm11+b9,b13)

Step into a world of deep resonance and complex harmony with the B Minor Enigma Drone Tuning. This unique setup, technically referred to as BADGCE - Open Bm11+b9,b13, is designed for players seeking to explore new sonic textures, from guttural drones to sophisticated jazz voicings.

Verbal Analysis:

At its core, this tuning invites you to harness the power of a profoundly low B string (B1). As the original description suggests, this string is a fantastic foundation for a drone, providing a rich, resonant sustain, or for "chugging to death" in heavy, rhythmic passages. The overall feel is one of depth and mystery, perfect for atmospheric soundscapes or avant-garde explorations. The open strings themselves form an intricate B minor 11th chord with a flat 9th and flat 13th, offering an immediate palette of jazzy, dissonant, yet beautiful harmonies.

Technical Analysis:

The specific open notes for this tuning are:

• 6th String (Low E): B1
• 5th String (A): A2
• 4th String (D): D3
• 3rd String (G): G3
• 2nd String (B): C4
• 1st String (High E): E4

Analyzing the intervals reveals a fascinating structure:

• Between the 6th (B1) and 5th (A2) strings: A broad Minor 7th (10 semitones). While the original description mentions a "major second between the low e and a string," this refers to the original string positions. In the tuned state, the actual interval between B1 and A2 is a minor 7th.
• Between the 5th (A2) and 4th (D3) strings: A perfect Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• Between the 4th (D3) and 3rd (G3) strings: A perfect Perfect 4th (5 semitones).
• Between the 3rd (G3) and 2nd (C4) strings: A perfect Perfect 4th (5 semitones). This confirms "the rest of the neck is in fourth" for these middle strings.
• Between the 2nd (C4) and 1st (E4) strings: A bright Major 3rd (4 semitones). This aligns perfectly with the description of "a major third between the b and high e string" (referring to the original string names, B and E).

When strummed open, these notes – B, A, D, G, C, E – beautifully resolve into a highly chromatic and rich Bm11+b9,b13 chord. This voicing includes the root (B), minor third (D), minor seventh (A), flat ninth (C), eleventh (E), and flat thirteenth (G). The presence of the consecutive perfect fourths in the middle strings (A-D-G-C) makes for excellent melodic and scale-based playing, allowing for familiar patterns to emerge within the otherwise unique harmonic context. This tuning is ideal for advanced players looking to create unique harmonic landscapes, fusion textures, or heavy, avant-garde riffs.

Tuning Details: B Minor Enigma Drone

Here are the final open notes for each string:

• 6th String: B1
• 5th String: A2
• 4th String: D3
• 3rd String: G3
• 2nd String: C4
• 1st String: E4

How to Tune:

Follow these steps to set up your guitar for the B Minor Enigma Drone tuning. Please proceed with caution, especially when tuning strings significantly up or down, as this can affect string tension and guitar setup.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones to reach B1. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. If this exceeds your string gauge's comfort zone, a heavier gauge string is advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at A2.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 1 semitone to reach C4.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at E4.