The 'Drop Bass Major Thirds' tuning for Bass Electric is an innovative approach designed for advanced melodic improvisation and enhanced harmonic possibilities. It ingeniously combines a solid, root-fifth bass foundation with the consistent, systematic intervals of major thirds tuning on the upper strings.

Verbal Analysis

This tuning carves out a unique sonic landscape for the electric bass. The bottom two strings (6th and 5th) are tuned to D2 and A2, providing a classic 1-5 power chord interval. When combined with the 4th string (D3), it creates a powerful D-A-D foundation, perfect for deep, resonant bass lines and strong root/fifth chord voicings. This provides the "1-5-1 as foundation for chords in bass" as the creator intended. Above this robust base, the top four strings (D3, F#4, A#4, D4) are meticulously arranged in consecutive Major Third intervals. This arrangement significantly simplifies fingerboard navigation for melodic runs, arpeggios, and chord shapes, as patterns become highly symmetrical and easily transposable across these strings. It opens up new avenues for "melodic improvisation and other benefits of regular major thirds tuning," making complex jazz voicings and leads more accessible. The overall open tuning of D-A-D-F#-A#-D creates a rich D Augmented chord sound with an emphasized D root at both lower and higher octaves, offering a unique open resonance.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Notes: D2 - A2 - D3 - F#4 - A#4 - D4 (from lowest to highest string).
• Intervalic Structure:
  • 6th (D2) to 5th (A2): Perfect 5th (P5)
  • 5th (A2) to 4th (D3): Perfect 4th (P4)
  • 4th (D3) to 3rd (F#4): Major 3rd (M3, effectively an octave higher than D3)
  • 3rd (F#4) to 2nd (A#4): Major 3rd (M3)
  • 2nd (A#4) to 1st (D4): Major 3rd (M3)
• Harmonic Implications: The D-A-D foundation provides a strong root and fifth, facilitating powerful low-end riffs. The top four strings, being entirely in Major Thirds, allow for consistent fingerings for chords and scales, making them highly movable across the fretboard. The open strings themselves form a D Augmented triad (D-F#-A#) with octaves of D reinforcing the root, producing a full, resonant, and somewhat expansive harmonic quality.
• Chord Possibilities:
  • Open Chords: The open strings naturally produce a D Augmented chord (Daug). By simply barring across various frets on the major third-tuned strings, a vast array of major, minor, augmented, and diminished chords become accessible with simplified fingerings.
  • Power Chords: The D-A-D provides instant D5 power chords with minimal effort, and these shapes can be easily shifted across the fretboard.
  • Barre Chords: Barre chord shapes are significantly simplified on the upper four strings due to the uniform Major Third intervals, allowing for easier construction of complex voicings and rapid changes across the fretboard. This addresses the creator's note on "new possibilities for open and barre chords with 5 and 6 strings compared to major thirds tuning."

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Drop Bass Major Thirds' tuning, adjust your strings as described below, aiming for the specified target notes:

• 6th String: Tune down 2 semitones to reach D2.
• 5th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at A2.
• 4th String: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to remain at D3.
• 3rd String: Tune down 1 semitone to reach F#4.
• 2nd String: Tune down 1 semitone to reach A#4.
• 1st String: Tune down 2 semitones to reach D4.

Note: All string adjustments for this tuning are within standard limits, so a change in string gauge is generally not required. Always tune carefully and check intonation after adjustment.

6th String: Tuned to D2. This is the lowest string, providing the fundamental root of the tuning and a deep, resonant tone.

5th String: Tuned to A2. A perfect fifth above the 6th string D, this provides a powerful harmonic foundation alongside the 6th and 4th strings.

4th String: Tuned to D3. An octave above the 6th string D and a perfect fourth above the 5th string A, completing the D-A-D bass foundation.

3rd String: Tuned to F#4. A major third above the 4th string D, initiating the sequence of major third intervals on the upper register.

2nd String: Tuned to A#4. A major third above the 3rd string F#, continuing the consistent major third interval pattern.

1st String: Tuned to D4. A major third above the 2nd string A#, completing the major third sequence and providing the highest note of the open tuning.