This unique tuning, known as Drop D Rise B E, is specifically designed to facilitate playing certain pieces, as indicated by its description: "Makes playing Links 2 3 4 easier." It's a highly specialized tuning that deviates significantly from standard EADGBe.

Verbal Analysis

The name itself hints at its core modifications: the familiar 'Drop D' on the lowest string, combined with 'Rise B E' on the middle strings. This creates a very distinctive sonic landscape. The dropped 6th string provides the heavy, resonant low end often sought in rock and metal genres, allowing for easy power chords with a single finger across the bottom strings (D-A-D became D-B-E in the bottom three). However, the raised 5th (A to B) and 4th (D to E) strings are quite unusual for rock-oriented tunings and introduce a brighter, more open, and potentially dissonant or complex harmonic quality to the mid-range. The upper three strings (G, B, E) remain standard, offering a familiar set of notes for melodic lines and chords in the higher register. This blend of dropped low end, raised mids, and standard highs results in a versatile, yet challenging, tuning for those not accustomed to its specific intervals.

Technical Analysis

The open notes for this tuning are D2 B2 E3 G3 B3 E4. Compared to standard EADGBe tuning, the modifications are:

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned down a whole step (2 semitones) from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tuned up a whole step (2 semitones) from A2 to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tuned up a whole step (2 semitones) from D3 to E3.
• String 3 (G): Remains G3 (standard).
• String 2 (B): Remains B3 (standard).
• String 1 (High E): Remains E4 (standard).

The intervals between the open strings are:

• D2 to B2: Major 6th
• B2 to E3: Perfect 4th
• E3 to G3: Minor 3rd
• G3 to B3: Major 3rd
• B3 to E4: Perfect 4th

Open Chords & Voicings

The open string combination D-B-E-G-B-E does not form a simple major or minor triad, making it unsuitable for strumming common chords without fretting. However, it offers some interesting possibilities:

• The top three strings (E-G-B) form an E minor triad. This means an E minor chord is readily available on the high strings.
• The presence of D on the 6th string allows for easy D power chords (D5) by simply muting the 5th and 4th strings and strumming the 6th, or by fretting the 6th string and barring across.
• The wide interval D-B on the bottom two strings, followed by E, offers potential for drone-like effects or complex voicings that include a B minor second interval against the low D, creating a unique tension. This structure is clearly designed for specific musical passages rather than general chordal play.

How to Tune

To achieve the Drop D Rise B E tuning from standard EADGBe, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones from A to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones from D to E3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

All string adjustments are within a range where standard gauge strings should be acceptable, as no string is tuned more than 4 semitones up or down. However, always exercise care when tuning strings, especially when tuning up.

String 6 (Low E): D2

String 5 (A): B2

String 4 (D): E3

String 3 (G): G3

String 2 (B): B3

String 1 (High E): E4