This unique guitar tuning, often associated with Ben Howard's track "Esmerelda", offers a deeply resonant and somewhat melancholic soundscape. While the provided description in the JSON suggests 'the only change is the F on the second string', our analysis based on the precise 'tuning_notes' and 'string_movements' reveals a much more extensive re-tuning, creating a distinct sonic character far from standard.

Verbal Analysis

The 'Esmerelda C# Open Drone' tuning immediately strikes the ear with its low, rich tonality. With the low E string dropped to C# and multiple strings tuned down, the guitar gains a slacker feel, contributing to a darker, more resonant sustain. The presence of unison G notes on strings 3 and 2, coupled with the recurring C and C# notes across the fretboard, creates a powerful drone capability. This allows for sustained harmonic backdrops against which intricate fingerpicked melodies can truly sing. It's a tuning that lends itself to a reflective, atmospheric style, perfect for creating layered textures and percussive rhythms through muted strumming or open string exploitation.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: Guitar
• Tuning Name (from JSON): Ben Howard - Esmerelda
• Open String Notes: C#3 G2 C3 G3 G3 C4

Analysing the open notes (C#3 G2 C3 G3 G3 C4) reveals a tuning centered around C and G, with C# providing a foundational root. The intervals are particularly interesting:

• String 6 (C#3) provides a low, dark root.
• String 5 (G2) creates a diminished 5th (or augmented 4th) interval relative to the low C#, adding harmonic tension.
• String 4 (C3) establishes a minor 7th relative to C#, and an octave below the high C.
• Strings 3 (G3) and 2 (G3) are tuned to a unison G, creating a strong, resonant drone or melodic anchor point. This unison is a signature feature of the tuning, allowing for powerful sustained notes.
• String 1 (C4) provides a high C, completing the C-G-C voicing and further emphasizing the drone potential.

The open tuning itself doesn't form a simple major or minor triad; instead, it presents a complex cluster of C#, G, and C notes. This harmonic ambiguity encourages exploration of melodic lines and drone-based compositions rather than conventional chord shapes. Simple barres across the fretboard will yield unique, often dissonant but evocative, voicings. Power chords (root-fifth) may feel different due to the altered intervals, but the consistent C-G relationship across strings can be exploited. The unison Gs make it easy to create sustained rhythms or melodic figures on those strings.

How to Tune

Starting from standard E A D G B E tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Low E to C#3): Tune down 3 semitones.
• 5th String (A to G2): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 4th String (D to C3): Tune down 2 semitones.
• 3rd String (G to G3): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 2nd String (B to G3): Tune down 4 semitones. This is a considerable adjustment; consider a heavier gauge string if this tuning is used frequently to maintain optimal tension and tone.
• 1st String (High E to C4): Tune down 4 semitones. Similar to the 2nd string, this significant drop might benefit from a heavier gauge string for better performance and string life.

Important Note: When tuning strings down by 4 semitones or more, or up by 4 semitones or more, it is generally recommended to use a different string gauge to ensure proper string tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage to the instrument.

Tuning Notes (from lowest to highest string):

• 6th String: C3# (Low C#)
• 5th String: G2 (Sub-octave G)
• 4th String: C3 (Mid C)
• 3rd String: G3 (Mid G)
• 2nd String: G3 (Mid G)
• 1st String: C4 (High C)