Verbal Analysis

The "B Dorian Drone" tuning for 7-string guitar plunges your instrument into a deep, resonant soundscape. With its low B and repeated E and B notes, it immediately evokes a powerful, almost menacing, and very open feel. This tuning is a fantastic choice for genres demanding heavy, atmospheric riffs, progressive soundscapes, or intricate fingerstyle where sustained, ringing notes are desired. The open character makes it surprisingly versatile, allowing for both crushing low-end power chords and shimmering, modal melodies. It encourages exploration beyond traditional chord shapes, opening doors to new harmonic possibilities and a distinctly modern sonic identity.

Technical Analysis

The tuning notes are B1 E2 B2 E3 G3 A3 D4. This setup features a prominent B minor tonality with elements of the Dorian mode.

• The low B (string 7) serves as a robust root, providing a solid foundation.
• The pairing of B-E-B-E across the lowest four strings creates a highly resonant, layered sound with strong perfect 4th and octave relationships, ideal for massive, open power chords.
• The higher strings (G3-A3-D4) offer a distinctive melodic and harmonic palette. The G and A notes create a natural minor 6th and 7th over the low B, while the D provides a minor 3rd.
• Collectively, the open strings (B, E, G, A, D) outline a B minor pentatonic scale (B-D-E-G-A) with the added E, strongly implying a B Dorian sound (B-C#-D-E-F#-G-A) due to the presence of E and G relative to B.

While traditional open chords might not be immediately apparent, this tuning excels in creating unique voicings:

• A full open strum will produce a rich, resonant Bsus4-like chord with strong minor 7th and 6th extensions, perfect for ambient pads or heavy, sustained notes.
• Barring across the lower strings (e.g., fretting all strings at the 3rd fret) can yield interesting power chord variations and modal harmony. For instance, fretting strings 7-5 at the 3rd fret (D-G-D) with the open E and G higher strings creates a Dsus2/G voicing.
• The identical B and E notes on adjacent non-octave strings make for easy octave and unison playing, enhancing the density and power of riffs.

This tuning is a powerhouse for creating massive, open chordal textures and deep, driving riffs, encouraging a fretboard approach centered around intervals and drone rather than standard chord shapes.

Final Tuning Notes

• String 7 (Low B): B1
• String 6 (E): E2
• String 5 (B): B2
• String 4 (E): E3
• String 3 (G): G3
• String 2 (A): A3
• String 1 (High D): D4

How to Tune to B Dorian Drone

Please follow these instructions carefully. Guitar tuning involves adjusting string tension, and significant changes may require professional setup or a different string gauge to maintain playability and guitar health.

• String 7 (B1): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 6 (E2): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5 (A2 to B2): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D3 to E3): Tune up 2 semitones.
• String 3 (G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 2 (B3 to A3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (E4 to D4): Tune down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: When tuning strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (either positively or negatively), it is generally advised to consider using a different string gauge to ensure optimal string tension, prevent damage to your guitar, and maintain playability. In this specific tuning, all movements are within 2 semitones, so standard gauges should be acceptable, but always be mindful of your guitar's comfort and string tension.