Welcome to the analysis of the BAEBAE tuning, which we've named "Open E-A Octave Drone". This unique setup for the Guitar transforms the instrument into a resonant soundscape, offering distinct harmonic possibilities.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning, presenting the open notes B-A-E-B-A-E from low to high, creates a deep, open, and somewhat ethereal sound. The repeated B-A-E sequence across octaves forms a powerful drone foundation. It evokes a sense of spaciousness, making it ideal for ambient soundscapes, folk music with a modern twist, or even heavy, resonant power chord progressions. The open strings resonate beautifully together, forming a chord that can be perceived as an Eadd4 or an E5sus4 (E-A-B), with the low B string providing a deep, grounding bass. Alternatively, it can be heard as an Aadd2/Aadd9 chord, with the B notes serving as a persistent drone. This tuning lends itself well to fingerstyle arrangements where individual string clarity is desired, as well as percussive strumming to exploit the rich, full open chord. Simple two or three-finger shapes will yield complex harmonies, and sliding chords will sound particularly rich and fluid due to the consistent intervals. Power chords are easily accessible across the neck, especially E5, A5, and B5 shapes, allowing for powerful riffing.

Technical Analysis

The notes B1-A2-E3-B3-A3-E4 define this tuning. Analyzing the intervals from the lowest string (B1):

• String 6 (B1): The foundational root.
• String 5 (A2): A perfect 5th above E3, or a major 7th below B1 (a Bsus4b7 if B is root), or a major 2nd above A2.
• String 4 (E3): A perfect fourth above B1, forming a strong consonant interval.
• String 3 (B3): An octave above the lowest B1, reinforcing the fundamental.
• String 2 (A3): An octave above A2, creating a rich, resonant drone with its lower counterpart.
• String 1 (E4): An octave above E3, completing the high-end resonance of the tuning.

The tuning's structure emphasizes perfect fourths (B-E) and octaves (B1-B3, A2-A3, E3-E4), creating a powerful, open-voiced chord. The presence of E, A, and B notes prominently highlights the intervals of a perfect fourth and a perfect fifth, making it excellent for power chords and drone textures. The lack of a major or minor third in the open position means it is harmonically versatile, suitable for both major and minor key contexts depending on fretted notes. The octaves facilitate easy melodic playing across different registers, creating a full and wide sound.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Open E-A Octave Drone

To achieve the "Open E-A Octave Drone" tuning (BAEBAE), please follow these precise string adjustments from standard EADGBe tuning. It's crucial to tune carefully, especially with significant pitch changes. If a string movement exceeds 4 semitones (up or down), consider using a different string gauge to prevent breakage or poor intonation.

• String 6 (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones from its standard E2 note to B1. Caution: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• String 5 (A to A2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard A2 note to A2.
• String 4 (D to E3): Tune up 2 semitones from its standard D3 note to E3.
• String 3 (G to B3): Tune up 4 semitones from its standard G3 note to B3. Caution: This is a large increase in tension. Proceed with care, and consider a lighter gauge string if frequently using this tuning.
• String 2 (B to A3): Tune down 2 semitones from its standard B3 note to A3.
• String 1 (High e to E4): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from its standard E4 note to E4.