Welcome to Tommy's A Major Drone, a unique and resonant guitar tuning (CAEAC#E) specifically crafted for an expansive, open sound. This tuning is particularly well-suited for styles that thrive on rich harmonic textures, such as folk, blues, experimental, and instrumental music, offering a distinctive voice for slide guitar and intricate fingerstyle compositions.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to C2-A2-E3-A3-C#5-E4, from the lowest (6th) to the highest (1st) string. These notes collectively form an A major triad (A-C#-E) enriched by a deep, resonant low C bass note, essentially creating an A major chord with a C in the bass (Amaj/C). This provides an immediate, full-bodied harmonic foundation.

• The 6th string (C2) and 5th string (A2) establish a powerful Major 6th interval, providing a deep, open drone potential.
• The 5th string (A2) to 4th string (E3) maintains a perfect 5th, while the 4th string (E3) to 3rd string (A3) forms a perfect 4th, creating conventional and comfortable intervals in the mid-range.
• A most distinctive feature involves the upper strings: the 3rd string (A3) jumps a compound Major 3rd (19 semitones) to the 2nd string (C#5). Even more strikingly, the 1st string (E4) is tuned a full octave lower than the 2nd string (C#5). This creates a unique sonic landscape, where the highest string provides a deeper counterpoint, allowing for unusual melodic and harmonic inversions, and a remarkably wide range within the open chord.

Chords and Playability:

The open tuning naturally lends itself to an A major sound, with the low C providing a substantial anchor. Open-position chords like A major, E major, and even some C major voicings (despite missing a G) become remarkably resonant and easy to achieve. The open intervals make this tuning ideal for slide guitar, where glissandos effortlessly transition between harmonious points. Fingerstyle players will find a rich palette for creating lush arpeggios and sustained drones, particularly benefiting from the sustained quality of the low C and A notes. Due to the unique arrangement of the upper strings, experimenting with partial chords and unusual fingerings will unlock new sonic textures and harmonic surprises.

Tuning Notes:

• 6th String (Low E string): C2
• 5th String (A string): A2
• 4th String (D string): E3
• 3rd String (G string): A3
• 2nd String (B string): C#5
• 1st String (High E string): E4

How to Tune:

Follow these instructions carefully to achieve the Tommy's A Major Drone tuning from standard E Standard tuning. Please use a reliable tuner.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 4 semitones to C2.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• 3rd String (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune up 2 semitones to C#5.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at E4.

Note: The movements for this tuning are within recommended limits for standard string gauges. However, always exercise caution when tuning, especially when raising pitch.