Tuning Analysis: Yvette Drop

Verbal Description

The 'Yvette Drop' is a truly unique and resonant tuning for the Guitar, designed to excel in genres that heavily leverage open strings, such as Midwest Emo, Post-Rock, and other atmospheric styles. As its description suggests, it's a "real neat tuning" that encourages a lush, layered sound. The tuning achieves a distinct character through a combination of open string voicings and a subtle tension created by specific note choices. It invites exploration of arpeggios, sustained chords, and intricate fingerstyle patterns, offering a sonic landscape that is both melancholic and uplifting.

Technical Analysis

This tuning departs significantly from standard EADGBe. The open strings are tuned to:

• String 6 (Low E): D♯3 (Eb3)
• String 5 (A): G2
• String 4 (D): A♯3 (Bb3)
• String 3 (G): F3
• String 2 (B): A3
• String 1 (High E): D4

The full set of distinct open notes are D, D♯ (Eb), F, G, A, A♯ (Bb). This creates a rich harmonic canvas:

• Open Eb Major Chord: Striking the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings (D♯3, G2, A♯3) immediately presents a full Eb Major triad (Eb-G-Bb). This provides a strong, foundational harmony.
• Embedded D minor Chord: The notes D4, F3, and A3 (strings 1, 3, 2) form a D minor triad (D-F-A), offering a contrasting melancholic color that can be easily highlighted.
• Embedded Bb Major Chord: The notes A♯3, D4, and F3 (strings 4, 1, 3) form a Bb Major triad (Bb-D-F), adding another harmonic dimension.

The presence of both D and D♯ (Eb) across the open strings creates a subtle, appealing dissonance, allowing for interesting harmonic tension and release. This particular arrangement of notes lends itself well to modal playing, particularly around a G minor or Eb major tonality, providing a wide palette for melodic and chordal improvisation. The close proximity of notes like D and D# can be utilized for drone effects or for creating dense, shimmering voicings when strummed lightly.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Yvette Drop' tuning, you will need to adjust your guitar strings as follows. Please note that all strings are tuned down from standard EADGBe:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune to D♯3 (Eb3). This requires tuning down 1 semitone.
• String 5 (A): Tune to G2. This requires tuning down 2 semitones.
• String 4 (D): Tune to A♯3 (Bb3). This requires tuning down 4 semitones.
• String 3 (G): Tune to F3. This requires tuning down 2 semitones.
• String 2 (B): Tune to A3. This requires tuning down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (High E): Tune to D4. This requires tuning down 2 semitones.

Important Note on String Gauge: Please exercise caution when altering string tension. Tuning down 4 semitones for String 4 (D to A♯/Bb) is a significant change. If you plan to use this tuning frequently, or if you notice excessive looseness or buzzing, consider using a heavier gauge string set to maintain optimal playability and intonation.

String 6 (Low E): D♯3 (Eb3)

String 5 (A): G2

String 4 (D): A♯3 (Bb3)

String 3 (G): F3

String 2 (B): A3

String 1 (High E): D4