Tuning Analysis: EADGBE Crossed

The "EADGBE Crossed" tuning is a fascinating alteration of standard guitar tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), creating a unique sonic landscape. As its name suggests and the technical data confirms, it takes the familiar EADGBE structure but shifts the 6th (low E), 4th (D), and 2nd (B) strings down by a full octave. The result is a tuning that feels both familiar and deeply unconventional, offering new avenues for sonic exploration.

Verbal Observations

Verbally, this tuning presents a much lower, richer, and more expansive sound than standard EADGBE. The octave drops on three strings – particularly the low E and D – introduce a substantial amount of bass and resonance. Imagine the bottom end of an 8-string guitar, but within a 6-string context. This creates a very wide intervallic spread, making open chords sound incredibly full, almost symphonic. It can lend itself well to ambient textures, drone-based music, or heavy, resonant riffs where a deep, rumbling foundation is desired. Players might find themselves gravitating towards open string harmonies and less complex chord shapes to take advantage of the vast pitch range. The "crossed" aspect comes from this intertwining of standard and sub-octave notes, creating intriguing melodic and harmonic possibilities that push beyond typical guitar voicings.

Technical Analysis

Technically, the tuning is E1-A2-D2-G3-B2-E4 (from low E to high E). This is derived from standard E2-A2-D3-G3-B3-E4, with specific strings dropped by an octave.

• String 6 (Low E): Tuned to E1, a full octave below standard E2. This provides an extremely deep bass foundation.
• String 5 (A): Remains at A2, standard.
• String 4 (D): Tuned to D2, a full octave below standard D3. This creates a significant gap between the D string and the G string.
• String 3 (G): Remains at G3, standard.
• String 2 (B): Tuned to B2, a full octave below standard B3. This brings the B string very close in pitch to the G string (G3) and D string (D2).
• String 1 (High E): Remains at E4, standard.

This arrangement significantly alters chord voicings and fretboard navigation.

• Open E Major Chord: An open E major chord (E1-A2-D2-G3-B2-E4) is exceptionally broad and resonant due to the E, D, and B strings being an octave lower than standard. The B2 and D2 strings, close in pitch, create a particularly dark and unique open sound.
• Power Chords: Traditional power chord shapes will be disrupted, but new deep power chord possibilities emerge by utilizing the dropped strings. For instance, an open fifth on the 6th and 5th strings (E1-A2) provides an extremely powerful, low sound. Similarly, using the 4th and 3rd strings (D2-G3) offers a unique perfect fourth interval with a broad octave separation.
• Arpeggios & Melodies: The wide intervallic jumps between adjacent strings (e.g., D2 to G3 is a perfect fourth plus an octave, B2 to G3 is a major sixth) will require significant adaptation for arpeggios and scale runs. However, this also opens up unique melodic phrasing options and interesting harmonic clusters, especially for lower-register melodies.

The close proximity of the B2 and D2 strings (a minor third apart) and D2 and G3 (a fourth and an octave) creates unusual harmonic intervals on adjacent strings that can be exploited for dense, low voicings. This tuning is excellent for creating drone-like textures with its open strings and can inspire experimental playing.

How to Tune Your Guitar

To achieve the "EADGBE Crossed" tuning, you will need to adjust your strings as follows. Please note the significant drops in pitch for some strings; a heavier gauge string set is highly advisable, especially for the low E, D, and B strings, to maintain adequate tension and tone, and to prevent potential damage from excessive slack. When tuning down more than 4 semitones, a different gauge string is generally recommended.

• 6th String (Low E): Tune down 12 semitones to E1. This is a full octave drop. Caution: A much heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for this significant drop to maintain tension and tone.
• 5th String (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to A2.
• 4th String (D): Tune down 12 semitones to D2. This is a full octave drop. Caution: A much heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for this significant drop to maintain tension and tone.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to G3.
• 2nd String (B): Tune down 12 semitones to B2. This is a full octave drop. Caution: A much heavier gauge string is strongly recommended for this significant drop to maintain tension and tone.
• 1st String (High E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

When tuning down 12 semitones (a full octave), be mindful of string tension. If your current strings are light gauge, they may become very floppy and difficult to play, and intonation may suffer. Consider a custom string set with heavier gauges for the E, D, and B strings to truly embrace this unique tuning and ensure optimal playability and tone.

6th String: E1

5th String: A2

4th String: D2

3rd String: G3

2nd String: B2

1st String: E4