About Nick's Echo B Drone Tuning

This unique tuning, affectionately named 'Nick's Echo B Drone', was born from a creative exploration inspired by the legendary Nick Drake's evocative song "Which Will". The creator's use of 'old strings' suggests a raw, experimental approach, resulting in a rich, melancholic, and deeply resonant soundscape. It's a tuning designed to evoke introspection and atmosphere, ideal for fingerstyle playing where the sustained drone can truly shine, much like the intricate tunings often associated with Drake's work.

Technical Analysis

The open strings for this tuning are: B1 B2 F#3 B3 E4 D#5. This creates a powerful B drone across multiple octaves, with the 6th string tuned down significantly to B1 and the 5th string to B2, an octave higher. The intervallic structure from the lowest B (String 6) is as follows:

• String 6 (B1): Root
• String 5 (B2): Octave (from String 6)
• String 4 (F#3): Perfect Fifth
• String 3 (B3): Octave
• String 2 (E4): Perfect Fourth
• String 1 (D#5): Major Third

The distinct notes present in the open tuning are B, D#, E, and F#. This combination prominently features a B Major triad (B, D#, F#), with the E natural adding a distinctive suspended 4th quality. Strumming the open strings will yield a rich, complex B Major-esque chord with a strong, lingering E note, creating a blend of consonance and subtle tension. This makes the tuning particularly suited for modal explorations, fingerstyle arpeggios, and compositions that benefit from a deep, sustained root note.

Possible Chords & Harmonizations:

• Open Strum: Produces a rich, resonant B Major (add4) or Bmaj(sus4) sound, with a strong B drone. It can also be perceived as an E major chord (E G# B) played over a B bass, with an added F#, offering a versatile harmonic palette.
• Barre Chords: Simple barre shapes up the neck will transpose this unique harmonic structure. For instance, barring all strings at the 2nd fret would yield a C# Major (add4) sound, maintaining the inherent character of the tuning.
• Drone & Melody: The pervasive B drone across the lower strings provides an excellent foundation for melodic improvisation on the higher strings, allowing for expressive and resonant phrases that build upon the tuning's unique harmonic qualities.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the 'Nick's Echo B Drone' tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these precise string adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E to B1): Tune down 5 semitones. This is a significant drop from standard E. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones can result in a very loose string tension with standard gauge strings. For optimal playability and tone, consider using a heavier gauge string for this string.
• String 5 (A to B2): Tune up 2 semitones. This moves the A string up to a B.
• String 4 (D to F#3): Tune up 4 semitones. This is a substantial increase in tension. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones can put considerable strain on the string and guitar. Proceed slowly and carefully.
• String 3 (G to B3): Tune up 4 semitones. Similar to the 4th string, this increases tension significantly. Caution: Tuning up 4 semitones can put considerable strain on the string and guitar. Proceed slowly and carefully.
• String 2 (B to E4): Tune up 5 semitones. This is a very large upward adjustment. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones significantly increases string tension. It is highly recommended to use a lighter gauge string for this to prevent breakage and maintain playability.
• String 1 (High E to D#5): Tune down 1 semitones. This is a minor adjustment down to D#.

Important Note on String Gauge: Adjustments exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down) can significantly impact string tension. Tuning down 5 semitones (String 6) may result in a very loose string with standard gauge, while tuning up 4 or 5 semitones (Strings 4, 3, 2) can put excessive strain on your strings and guitar neck. For optimal playability and to prevent potential damage, it is highly recommended to consider using a different string gauge set specifically designed for altered tunings or to accommodate these significant tension changes.