This unique tuning, originally named "Sonic Youth Eternal Tuning," is a signature of the band's experimental style, notably used by Thurston Moore and sometimes Kim Gordon on their final studio album 'The Eternal'. It represents a fascinating blend of drone, open voicings, and unconventional intervallic relationships, characteristic of Sonic Youth's distinct sound.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes, from lowest to highest, are D2-D2-A2-F#4-A3-D4. This arrangement heavily emphasizes the notes of a D Major chord (D, F#, A). The presence of multiple D and A notes across different octaves creates a powerful, resonant drone, providing a massive low-end foundation. The upper strings then construct a brighter, more complex voicing of the D Major triad.

Let's examine the intervals between adjacent strings:

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (D2): A perfect unison, creating a thick, harmonically rich bass.
• String 5 (D2) to String 4 (A2): A perfect fifth, reinforcing the D tonality.
• String 4 (A2) to String 3 (F#4): An expansive interval spanning two octaves and a Major Sixth. This creates a significant and unexpected jump in pitch, placing the F# exceptionally high in the register.
• String 3 (F#4) to String 2 (A3): A dramatic descent of an octave and a minor third. This creates a striking intervallic reversal.
• String 2 (A3) to String 1 (D4): A perfect fourth, completing the high-end voicing.

The overall harmonic implication of the open strings is a resonant D Major chord, but with highly unusual voicings due to the unique octave displacements. This tuning suggests it is not merely for strumming conventional open chords but is designed to facilitate specific melodic lines, dissonant textures, and unique chord voicings that emerge from its unconventional structure. While barring across any fret can lead to various D-based chord shapes (e.g., Dm, Dsus) or power chords, the true sonic potential of this tuning lies in exploring its distinct intervallic relationships and unexpected fingerings.

How to Tune

Achieving this "Eternal D Drone" tuning from standard EADGBe involves significant adjustments. Please exercise caution, especially with large down-tunings, as excessive changes can affect string tension and intonation. For strings requiring substantial down-tuning (exceeding 4 semitones), considering a heavier gauge string is strongly advised to maintain optimal playability and tone.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 7 semitones to D2. Caution advised: A drop of 7 semitones is substantial. For optimal tension and tone, a heavier gauge string is strongly recommended.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 5 semitones to A2. Caution advised: A drop of 5 semitones is significant. Consider a heavier gauge string to maintain playability and avoid excessive floppiness.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 1 semitone to F#3. (Note: The target note for String 3 is specified as F#4, which is an octave higher than the direct result of tuning a standard G3 string down 1 semitone. This suggests a potential intended octave shift in the final tuning or an intended F#3 listed as F#4 in the target notes.)
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

As a general guideline, any string movement exceeding 4 semitones (either up or down) may benefit from a different string gauge to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage (though less common with down-tuning).

String 6 (Lowest): Tuned to D2, an octave below the standard E2, providing a deep, foundational bass.

String 5: Tuned to D2, matching the lowest string, creating a powerful, resonant unison D.

String 4: Tuned to A2, a perfect fifth above the two lowest D strings, reinforcing the D tonality.

String 3: Tuned to F#4, a high F-sharp that is significantly above the A2 on string 4. This note provides a bright, major third to the overall D Major harmony.

String 2: Tuned to A3, an octave and a minor third below the F#4 on string 3, creating an interesting intervallic texture.

String 1 (Highest): Tuned to D4, a perfect fourth above the A3 on string 2, completing the high-end voicing of the D Major chord.