Verbal Analysis: The Resonant Drone

The "rjt signature" tuning is a distinctive and deeply resonant approach to the guitar, crafted to produce a full and powerful soundscape. While it doesn't present as a conventional open chord tuning like Open G or Open D, it strongly emphasizes the E root, providing multiple octaves of E across the strings. This robust foundation, combined with the inclusion of A2 and B2, adds significant harmonic depth, creating a sonic environment that is both rich and expansive. This tuning is particularly well-suited for drone-based playing, powerful riffing, and could be exceptionally effective for slide guitar or genres like heavy rock, where a thick, sustained sound is paramount. The unique arrangement of the middle strings (B2, E3, E3) unlocks intriguing harmonic possibilities, making certain power chord shapes and arpeggios highly accessible with minimal fretting. It encourages players to explore beyond conventional chord voicings and discover new, evocative textures and voicings.

Technical Analysis: E-centric Harmony

The open notes for the "rjt signature" tuning are E2, A2, B2, E3, E3, E4. When compared to standard tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), this tuning involves significant alterations, particularly on the middle strings:

• String 4 (from standard D3 to B2): Tuned down 3 semitones (a minor third).
• String 3 (from standard G3 to E3): Tuned down 3 semitones (a minor third).
• String 2 (from standard B3 to E3): Tuned down 7 semitones (a perfect fifth).

The resulting open string voicing includes the root (E), the perfect fourth (A), the perfect fifth (B), and multiple octaves of the root. This robust presence of E and its primary intervals establishes a stable and commanding tonal center, ideal for powerful open string drones and rich harmonic overtones. Accessible chords largely revolve around E-based power chords and extended voicings due to the abundance of E notes. For instance, a simple two-finger shape on strings 6 and 5 (E2 A2) resonates beautifully with the open E notes, creating a potent texture. The unison E notes on strings 3 and 2 (E3 E3) provide a thick, sustained sound, while the B2 on string 4 adds a strong perfect fifth, enhancing many E-based chordal voicings. Players will find that simple barred shapes across the lower and middle strings can yield interesting arpeggiated and unique chordal sounds, particularly those rooted on E.

How to Tune: Step-by-Step Guide

To achieve the "rjt signature" tuning from standard EADGBE, follow these precise steps for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The final note is E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The final note is A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 3 semitones. This means going from a standard D3 down to B2.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones. This means going from a standard G3 down to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 7 semitones. This is a significant drop, going from a standard B3 all the way down to E3. Important Note: Due to this substantial downward adjustment of 7 semitones, it is strongly recommended to consider using a heavier gauge string for your 2nd string. This will help maintain proper tension, intonation, and playability, preventing the string from becoming excessively slack or experiencing fret buzz.
• String 1 (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The final note is E4.

String 6: E2 (Low E)

String 5: A2

String 4: B2

String 3: E3

String 2: E3

String 1: E4 (High E)