Overview

This tuning, affectionately named "Lounge Drone D# Phrygian Tuning," arose from a serendipitous moment, as the original description states: "This was the random tuning my guitar in my lounge was left it, it was a bit out of tune, but I managed to round down the tuning to this." It’s a notably low and dark tuning, with every string dropped down from standard EADGBe. The resulting open notes create a unique and somewhat exotic sonic landscape, leaning heavily into a modal sound rather than a straightforward major or minor chord, perfect for atmospheric and introspective playing.

Technical Analysis

The open strings present the notes, from low to high: D#3, G2, C3, F3, A#4, D#5. When these unique notes are ordered by pitch, we find G, A# (Bb), C, D# (Eb), F. This combination closely aligns with the G Phrygian scale (G-Ab-Bb-C-D-Eb-F). Strummed openly, this tuning produces a rich, resonant, and distinctly modal sonority, immediately evoking a sense of the exotic, Spanish, or Middle Eastern musical styles. The presence of two D# notes (on String 6 and String 1) an octave apart, along with an A# (Bb) on String 2, provides powerful open drones and sustained harmonies, contributing to its "Lounge Drone" character.

While this tuning doesn't form a simple major or minor triad when strummed openly, its unique arrangement of notes offers intriguing harmonic and melodic possibilities:

• The open strings fundamentally provide a G Phrygian sonority, which is excellent for exploring modal compositions and creating an atmospheric, sometimes melancholic, feel.
• The low D# on String 6 and the high D# on String 1 act as powerful anchors, allowing for open octave work and deep, resonant power chords when combined with the A# (Bb) on String 2.
• The sequence of G2, C3, F3 (Strings 5, 4, 3) offers a suspended quality in the mid-range, creating open voicings reminiscent of Gsus4 or a Cmaj/G inversion.
• This tuning is exceptionally well-suited for creating ambient soundscapes, dark and introspective pieces, or even heavy, detuned riffs, especially given the overall low pitch. Barred chords and partial chords will take on new and unexpected voicings, inviting creative exploration beyond conventional shapes.

How to Tune

To set your guitar to the "Lounge Drone D# Phrygian Tuning" from standard EADGBe, please follow these precise string movements:

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 1 semitone from E to D#3.
• 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): Tune down 2 semitones from G to F3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 1 semitone from B to A#4.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 1 semitone from E to D#5.

Please take care when tuning. Generally, for string movements exceeding 4 semitones (either tuning up or down), considering a different string gauge is advisable to maintain optimal tension, tone, and string integrity, though this particular tuning involves movements within a safe range.

String 6 (Low E): D#3

String 5 (A): G2

String 4 (D): C3

String 3 (G): F3

String 2 (B): A#4

String 1 (High E): D#5