Verbal Analysis

"America's Droning G6" is a distinctive and atmospheric tuning, most famously utilized in the iconic song "Horse With No Name" by America. It immediately evokes a sense of expansive landscapes and a gentle, melancholic mood, characteristic of folk-rock. While it builds upon the concept of an Open G tuning (D G D G B D), its key difference lies in the fifth string being tuned to E. This creates a rich, open-ended sound that doesn't simply resolve to a major triad, instead offering a suspended or added-tone quality. The tuning allows for droning bass notes to intertwine with melodic trebles, making it ideal for fingerpicking, slide guitar, or strumming patterns that emphasize its unique harmonic character. It's perfectly suited for creating a yearning or reflective atmosphere in acoustic pieces.

Technical Analysis

This tuning transforms the standard E-A-D-G-B-E configuration into D-E-D-G-B-D:

• The 6th string (low E) is tuned down two semitones to D2.
• The 5th string (A) is tuned down five semitones to E2.
• The 4th string (D) remains at D3.
• The 3rd string (G) remains at G3.
• The 2nd string (B) remains at B3.
• The 1st string (high E) is tuned down two semitones to D4.

The resulting open notes are D2, E2, D3, G3, B3, D4. This creates a complex harmonic structure. The notes D, G, B, D across strings 6, 4, 3, 2, 1 form a G major chord with a D in the bass. The addition of E2 on the 5th string effectively creates a G major 6th chord (G-B-D-E) with a low D root, or a Dsus2(add6) chord. This specific interval structure moves away from a conventional open tuning, offering a characteristic sound that is neither strictly major nor minor but rather open, suspended, and resonant. While standard chord shapes may not apply, fretting across all strings at a single fret (a barre chord) will yield rich, extended voicings. For example, a barre at the 2nd fret would produce an Emaj(add9)/B sound, and a barre at the 5th fret would result in a Gmaj(add9)/D chord.

Open Chord Possibilities & Creative Applications

The open tuning itself (D-E-D-G-B-D) provides a full, suspended chord (Gmaj6/D or Dsus2(add6)), making it instantly playable and inspiring. This tuning excels in situations where a rich, atmospheric drone is desired. Simple fingerings or slide techniques can easily unlock its potential:

• Open Strum: D-E-D-G-B-D (Gmaj6/D or Dsus2(add6)) - Offers a characteristic open, spacious, and slightly melancholic sound.
• Barre at 2nd Fret: E-F#-E-A-C#-E - Creates a bright, expansive sound, hinting at Emaj(add9)/B.
• Barre at 5th Fret: G-A-G-C-E-G - Yields a full, major-sounding chord with an added second, similar to Gmaj(add9)/D.

This tuning encourages experimentation, leading to new chord voicings and melodic possibilities that are less accessible in standard tuning. Its unique intervals make it a strong candidate for creating hypnotizing, repetitive patterns with its droning open strings.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve "America's Droning G6" from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning, follow these specific string adjustments. Always use a reliable tuner and tune carefully:

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones to D2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 5 semitones to E2. Important Caution: Tuning this string down by 5 semitones is a significant change in tension. For optimal tone, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage, we recommend considering a heavier gauge string for the 5th string if you plan to keep your guitar in this tuning for extended periods. Proceed with extra care.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones), remains B3.
• 1st String (High E): Tune down 2 semitones to D4.

After tuning, always check your guitar's intonation, especially with such significant changes in string tension.