The "Accidental A Drone with Double B" tuning is a unique and resonant soundscape, described by its discoverer as simply "sounds great, discovered by accident." This tuning deviates from standard EADGBe to create a rich, open, and somewhat suspended harmonic texture.

Verbal Analysis

Verbally, this tuning immediately presents a strong, almost hypnotic drone quality, centered around the note A. With two low A strings (A2, A3) complemented by two E strings (E2, E3), it creates a powerful open fifth interval (A-E) that resonates deeply. The distinctive feature, however, is the double B (B3, B3) on the higher two strings. This unison pair adds a bright, slightly suspended, or an "added second" quality to the overall sound, moving away from a traditional major or minor tonality when strummed open. It evokes a feeling of spaciousness, making it excellent for ambient soundscapes, drone-based music, or experimental folk and blues. Slide playing would truly shine here, allowing you to glide over the resonant open strings.

Technical Analysis

• Tuning Notes: E2-A2-E3-A3-B3-B3 (Low to High).
• Open String Harmony: The open strings form a composite chord with a strong A root and its perfect fifth (E). The presence of B creates an Aadd2 (A, B, E) or Aadd9 harmony if A is considered the root. Alternatively, it can be seen as an Esus4add9 (E, A, B) if E is the root.
• Intervals:
  • E2 to A2: Perfect 4th
  • A2 to E3: Perfect 5th
  • E3 to A3: Perfect 4th
  • A3 to B3: Major 2nd
  • B3 to B3: Unison
• Chordal Opportunities:
  • Open Chords: Strumming all open strings yields an Aadd2/9 type sound, or a rich power chord based on A or E.
  • Simple Shapes: Because of the open fifths (E-A-E-A), simple barre shapes or two-finger chords across these strings will easily produce power chords or suspended voicings. For instance, barring the 2nd fret will likely yield a Bsus2 or F#sus4.
  • Drone Potential: The repeated A and E notes provide an excellent foundation for melodic exploration on the higher B strings, or for creating sustained drone effects.
• This tuning provides a wide, open sound palette, particularly suited for genres emphasizing resonance, sustain, and unconventional harmonies.

Target Tuning Notes (Low E to High e)

String 6 (Low E): E2
String 5 (A): A2
String 4 (D): E3
String 3 (G): A3
String 2 (B): B3
String 1 (High e): B3

How to Tune from Standard E-A-D-G-B-e

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: E2.
• String 5 (A): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones to E. Target Note: E3. (Standard D3 tuned up 2 semitones to E3).
• String 3 (G): Tune up 2 semitones to A. Target Note: A3. (Standard G3 tuned up 2 semitones to A3).
• String 2 (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target Note: B3.
• String 1 (High e): Tune down 5 semitones to B. Target Note: B3. (Standard E4 tuned down 5 semitones to B3).

Important Tuning Considerations

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension. Tuning up more than 4 semitones or down more than 4 semitones can put undue stress on your strings and guitar neck.

• For String 4 (D), you are tuning up 2 semitones. This is generally safe.
• For String 3 (G), you are tuning up 2 semitones. This is generally safe.
• For String 1 (High e), you are tuning down 5 semitones. This significant drop (-5 semitones) means it goes beyond the recommended +/- 4 semitones. While possible, consider using a different gauge string (e.g., a slightly heavier gauge for this string) to maintain optimal tension and tone, or proceed with extra care.