Verbal Analysis: The Deep Octave Drop

The 'Raised e' tuning, as provided, presents an exceptionally deep and resonant soundscape for your guitar. While the name 'Raised e' might initially suggest higher pitches, the reality of this tuning is a drastic lowering of most strings. Imagine an acoustic bass guitar but with the full range of a six-string, resulting in incredibly thick and dark tones. As described in its purpose, this tuning is "Made to play close voicings and clusters," which, in this context, means these chords will possess an unparalleled depth and density, verging on orchestral. You can expect a very bass-heavy, almost drone-like quality, where standard chord shapes will still create familiar intervals but sound a full octave lower than usual on the majority of your strings.

This unique setup lends itself to experimental and ambient music, or perhaps for creating rich, supporting textures. Playing lead lines would feel significantly heavier, offering a unique tonal palette. The reduced tension on the higher strings (now lower) might invite a more percussive or expressive playing style, although heavier gauge strings would be essential for optimal playability and intonation.

Technical Analysis: Standard Intervals, Deep Registers

This 'Raised e' tuning sets your strings to E2 A1 D2 G2 B2 E3 (from thickest to thinnest string). Comparing this to standard EADGBE tuning (E2 A2 D3 G3 B3 E4), we observe:

• String 6 (Low E): Remains at E2 (Standard).
• Strings 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (A, D, G, B, High E): Each of these strings is tuned down a full octave (12 semitones) from their standard pitch.

The most remarkable aspect is that despite the drastic pitch drop on five of the six strings, the intervals between the strings remain identical to standard tuning. This means the guitar's relative pitch structure is preserved:

• E2 to A1: Perfect 4th
• A1 to D2: Perfect 4th
• D2 to G2: Perfect 4th
• G2 to B2: Major 3rd
• B2 to E3: Perfect 4th

This consistency allows standard chord shapes to be employed, but with a profoundly deeper voicing. For instance, an open Em11 chord is readily available across the open strings (E-A-D-G-B-E contains E, G, B, D, A, E). Chords like Em, G, C, and D played in their open positions will sound incredibly rich and full, occupying a very low frequency spectrum. Barre chords will also retain their familiar shapes but deliver a much darker, almost piano-like resonance in the lower octaves. This tuning is ideal for musicians looking to explore extended range, deep harmonics, and complex, dark voicings without having to relearn entirely new interval patterns.

How to Tune

Careful attention is required when setting up this tuning, particularly due to the significant downward adjustments on multiple strings. We strongly advise using a reliable electronic tuner.

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Tune to E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 12 semitones from standard A2 to A1. Important Note: Tuning down 12 semitones (a full octave) is a drastic change. Your current A string will likely become very slack and difficult to intonate properly. For optimal performance, a much heavier gauge string is strongly advised for this string.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 12 semitones from standard D3 to D2. Important Note: Similar to the A string, tuning down an entire octave will significantly reduce tension. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended for stable tuning and playability.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 12 semitones from standard G3 to G2. Important Note: Again, a full octave drop. Consider a heavier gauge string to maintain tension and avoid intonation issues.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 12 semitones from standard B3 to B2. Important Note: This substantial drop requires a heavier gauge string for proper feel and sound quality.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 12 semitones from standard E4 to E3. Important Note: The thinnest string will become extremely loose with an octave drop. A significantly heavier gauge string is essential here to prevent buzzing and ensure any playable tension.

When tuning strings by more than 4 semitones up or down, it is generally recommended to use a different gauge string set to achieve the best results regarding tension, intonation, and overall playability.