Introducing Blackshaw's Low B Drone, a unique and resonant guitar tuning crafted by Justin Blackshaw. This tuning departs significantly from standard E-A-D-G-B-E, providing a rich, deep sonic landscape that is both moody and powerful. It’s particularly well-suited for genres requiring heavy, sustained low notes, experimental soundscapes, or intricate fingerstyle work that benefits from open string resonance.

Technical Analysis

This tuning sets a foundation with an incredibly low B1 on the 6th string, acting as a deep, resonant pedal tone. The intervals from low to high are:

• 6th String (B1) to 5th String (G2): Minor 6th (9 semitones)
• 5th String (G2) to 4th String (B2): Major 3rd (4 semitones)
• 4th String (B2) to 3rd String (D3): Minor 3rd (3 semitones)
• 3rd String (D3) to 2nd String (A3): Perfect 5th (7 semitones)
• 2nd String (A3) to 1st String (D4): Perfect 4th (5 semitones)

The open tuning itself, B-G-B-D-A-D, does not form a conventional major or minor chord but instead creates an intriguing, suspended tonality. The upper three strings (D3-A3-D4) form a powerful D5 or Dsus4 chord fragment, offering a bright contrast to the deep lower register. The repetition of B on the 6th and 4th strings, alongside G and D, suggests a foundation rich in minor or suspended harmonies, potentially echoing B minor or G major with extensions.

Verbal Description and Chord Possibilities

Blackshaw's Low B Drone offers a broad palette for creative expression. When strummed open, it produces a vast, harmonically complex sound, full of sustain and depth. The low B provides an almost sub-bass feel, making it ideal for creating powerful, droning riffs in rock, metal, or ambient music. While traditional open chord shapes will be completely recontextualized, the tuning encourages exploration of new voicings and shapes.

The D-A-D on the top strings is perfect for power chords and melodic lines, while the lower B-G-B-D combination invites open string voicings that resonate with a brooding or introspective quality. Barre chords across the neck will yield unique, often dissonant or suspended clusters, prompting players to discover fresh harmonic progressions. The tuning particularly lends itself to techniques like slide guitar, open-string arpeggios, and melodic phrasing that leverages the natural resonance of the D-A-D and the deep B drone.

How to Tune

To achieve Blackshaw's Low B Drone from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, follow these steps. Please note that significant downward tuning for the 6th and 3rd strings may require a heavier gauge string for optimal tension and tone. Generally, tuning changes exceeding 4 semitones up or down are an indication that a different gauge string might be advised.

1. 6th String (Low E): Tune down 5 semitones from E2 to B1. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change, consider a thicker string gauge.)
2. 5th String (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A2 to G2.
3. 4th String (D): Tune down 3 semitones from D3 to B2.
4. 3rd String (G): Tune down 5 semitones from G3 to D3. (Note: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change, consider a thicker string gauge.)
5. 2nd String (B): Tune down 2 semitones from B3 to A3.
6. 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones from E4 to D4.

• 6th String: B1 (The lowest, heaviest string)
• 5th String: G2
• 4th String: B2
• 3rd String: D3
• 2nd String: A3
• 1st String: D4 (The highest, lightest string)