Tuning Overview

The 'D-Minorish E-Drone Tuning' presents a unique and somewhat unconventional landscape for guitarists. While the lowest string provides a solid D foundation, the tuning quickly diverges from standard conventions, creating a rich tapestry of notes with both harmonic tension and resonant stability. This tuning is ideal for exploring experimental music, ambient soundscapes, or pushing the boundaries of traditional chord voicings.

Verbal Analysis

At first listen, strumming this tuning open reveals a complex, slightly melancholic, and deeply resonant sound. The low D provides a powerful, almost orchestral bass. The prominent E notes across strings 5, 3, and 2, along with the high B, create a strong E-centric drone that can be both ethereal and grounding. The F on the 4th string introduces a minor tonality with the low D but also creates a tight, dissonant minor second interval with the E on string 5. This tension can be harnessed for bluesy bends, haunting arpeggios, or simply embraced for its unique character. It's a tuning that encourages open string resonance and drone-like playing, while also offering intricate melodic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to D2 E3 F3 E3 E4 B3 (low to high).
Let's examine the intervals:

• String 6 (D2) to String 5 (E3): A compound major 2nd (or major 9th), providing a strong foundational interval.
• String 5 (E3) to String 4 (F3): A minor 2nd (semitone). This is a highly dissonant interval when played open and adjacent, offering considerable tension and potential for expressive voicings.
• String 4 (F3) to String 3 (E3): A minor 2nd descending. Another tight interval that reinforces the unique harmonic density.
• String 3 (E3) to String 2 (E4): A perfect octave, creating a powerful resonance and making octave melodies very accessible across these strings.
• String 2 (E4) to String 1 (B3): A perfect 4th descending (or perfect 5th if ignoring octaves, B to E). This interval completes the E-centric cluster with a strong B.

Open Chords & Shapes

The open tuning itself forms a rich chord: D2-E3-F3-E3-E4-B3. This can be interpreted as a D minor 6 (add9) chord. Its voicing is dense and full of character.

• D Minor Chords: The D and F notes make natural D minor shapes easy to find, especially on the lower strings. Barring across the lower frets will quickly yield interesting D minor voicings.
• E Drone & Melodies: The multiple E notes (E3, E3, E4) create a strong drone effect, especially when played with the B3. This opens up possibilities for melodic lines against a sustained E, reminiscent of modal or folk music. Simple fingerings can create powerful E minor or E sus chords by manipulating the F string.
• Unique Voicings: Due to the tight E-F-E cluster on strings 5, 4, 3, unconventional chord voicings and dissonant clusters are readily available, encouraging exploration beyond standard chord shapes. Experiment with muting specific strings to highlight different harmonic combinations. For example, muting string 4 (F3) while strumming open will yield a strong E minor tonality over the low D.

Open String Notes

• String 6 (Low E string position): D2
• String 5 (A string position): E3
• String 4 (D string position): F3
• String 3 (G string position): E3
• String 2 (B string position): E4
• String 1 (High E string position): B3

How to Tune

This section details the specific adjustments required for each string from standard E-A-D-G-B-E tuning. Please exercise caution when tuning, especially with larger semitone movements, as this can affect string tension and potentially require a different string gauge for optimal playability and instrument health.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E2 to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 7 semitones from A2 to E3. Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones is a significant change. Consider a lighter gauge string if this tuning is to be permanent to avoid excessive tension.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 3 semitones from D3 to F3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones from G3 to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune up 5 semitones from B3 to E4. Caution: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider a lighter gauge string if this tuning is to be permanent to avoid excessive tension.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E4 to B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. Consider a heavier gauge string if this tuning is to be permanent to maintain proper tension and tone.