Tuning Analysis: Midwest Emo Drone

This unique guitar tuning, referred to in its origin as 'dude idek' and described as 'tuning for midwest emo i reccomend capo 6', is a deep and resonant open tuning designed to evoke the signature atmospheric and intricate sounds characteristic of the Midwest Emo genre. The recommendation to use a capo at the 6th fret suggests an intention for bright, shimmery, and higher-pitched voicings, transforming the guitar's sonic texture significantly.

Verbal Description

The 'Midwest Emo Drone' tuning immediately strikes with its rich, sustained quality, primarily due to the unison G notes on the 3rd and 2nd strings. This creates a powerful drone foundation over which other notes can weave complex harmonies and melodies. The deep D and G on the lower strings provide a weighty, resonant bass, while the C and B on the middle and high strings add brightness and harmonic tension. It's a tuning that encourages experimental fingerpicking and allows for lush, open chord voicings that are difficult to achieve in standard tuning. The overall feel is one of melancholy, introspection, and spaciousness, perfectly suited for the emotive dynamics of its intended genre.

Technical Description

This tuning significantly departs from standard EADGBe, setting the open strings to D2 G2 C3 G3 G3 B3. Let's break down its structure:

• The 6th string is tuned to D2, the 5th to G2, and the 4th to C3. This creates a powerful low D-G-C cluster, forming a rootless Gsus4 or C major arpeggio in the bass.
• The 3rd string remains at standard G3, while the 2nd string is significantly dropped to G3 as well, resulting in a prominent unison drone on G.
• The 1st (high E) string is tuned down to B3.

When strummed open, the composite notes are D, G, C, B. This complex voicing can be interpreted as a Gsus4(add3)/D (G-D-C-B) or a Cmaj7sus2/D (C-G-D-B). The intervals from low to high are:

• 6th to 5th string (D2 to G2): Perfect 4th
• 5th to 4th string (G2 to C3): Perfect 4th
• 4th to 3rd string (C3 to G3): Perfect 5th
• 3rd to 2nd string (G3 to G3): Unison
• 2nd to 1st string (G3 to B3): Major 3rd

This unique combination of perfect intervals, unisons, and a major third creates a distinctly open, harmonically rich, and somewhat ambiguous character. The tuning lends itself well to creating expansive chords with minimal effort; barring across any fret will often produce interesting suspended, major 7th, or open power chord voicings. For instance, a full bar at the 5th fret would yield a G-C-F-C-C-E voicing, a lush Cmaj7/G. Using a capo at the 6th fret (as suggested by the original tuning description) would transpose the open tuning to G# C# F# C# C# Eb, resulting in an even brighter and more ethereal sound.

How to Tune: Midwest Emo Drone

Follow these steps to accurately tune your guitar to the 'Midwest Emo Drone' tuning from standard EADGBe:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 2 semitones from E to D2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 2 semitones from A to G2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 2 semitones from D to C3.
• String 3 (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) at G3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 4 semitones from B to G3. This is a significant adjustment. For optimal string tension and to prevent potential damage, especially if this tuning is used often, consider using a lighter gauge string for your B-string.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 5 semitones from E to B3. This is a substantial drop in tension. It is strongly recommended to use a lighter gauge string for your high E-string to maintain playability and avoid intonation issues, particularly if this tuning will be a regular setup.