This unique tuning, Extended Range All-Fourths Drop EA, transforms a 6-string bass electric instrument into a versatile beast, bridging the gap between deep bass resonance and guitar-like melodicism. As its name suggests, it extends the range considerably, dropping the lowest two strings to a formidable E1 and A1, mimicking a standard bass's foundational tones. The subsequent four strings, E2, A2, D3, and G3, are then tuned in perfect fourths, creating a highly logical and consistent interval structure across the entire instrument.

Verbal Analysis

Imagine an instrument that can lay down thunderous low-end grooves while simultaneously offering the melodic and chordal capabilities of a guitar. This tuning is precisely that. The deep E1 and A1 provide a solid foundation for heavy riffs and powerful bass lines, giving a distinct 'drop' feel. The uniform perfect fourths interval across all six strings (E-A, A-E, E-A, A-D, D-G) is a dream for players who value consistency. This geometric regularity makes learning scales and arpeggios incredibly intuitive, as patterns can be easily shifted across strings without mental gymnastics.

While the open tuning notes themselves (E1 A1 E2 A2 D3 G3) don't form a simple triad, they contain strong elements of an E minor 7 chord (E-G-D) with added A notes, making it an E minor 11 or E minor (add11). This provides a rich, complex harmonic starting point. Due to the all-fourths interval, power chords (root-fifth-octave) are exceptionally easy to form and transpose, requiring only two fingers on adjacent strings. Triads will require unique shapes compared to standard guitar tuning but will remain consistent across the fretboard. This tuning is particularly well-suited for progressive metal, jazz fusion, and experimental genres where deep articulation and expanded harmonic possibilities are desired.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument Type: 6-string Bass Electric.
• Tuning Structure: All perfect fourths (P4) intervals between adjacent strings: E1-A1 (P4), A1-E2 (P4), E2-A2 (P4), A2-D3 (P4), D3-G3 (P4).
• Range: Expansive, from E1 (approximately 41.2 Hz) up to G3 (approximately 196 Hz). This covers significant bass and lower guitar ranges.
• Open Chord Voicing: The open strings contain the notes E, A, D, G. This naturally forms an E minor 11 chord (E-G-D with A as the 11th) or E minor (add11) if considering E as the root. A simple barre across any fret will yield various quartal harmony voicings.
• Advantages: Predictable scale and chord shapes due to consistent intervals; excellent for modal playing and improvisation; provides a deep, resonant low end with higher string articulation.

How to Tune

To achieve the Extended Range All-Fourths Drop EA tuning, you will be significantly lowering the pitch of most strings. It is strongly advised to use a heavier gauge string set designed for low tunings to ensure proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string breakage or damage to your instrument. Proceed with caution and use a reliable tuner.

• String 6 (Lowest): Tune down 12 semitones to E1. (Equivalent to a full octave drop). Warning: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• String 5: Tune down 12 semitones to A1. (Equivalent to a full octave drop). Warning: This is a significant drop. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• String 4: Tune down 10 semitones to E2. Warning: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• String 3: Tune down 10 semitones to A2. Warning: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• String 2: Tune down 9 semitones to D3. Warning: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.
• String 1 (Highest): Tune down 9 semitones to G3. Warning: This is a substantial drop. A heavier gauge string is highly recommended.

• String 6 (Lowest): E1
• String 5: A1
• String 4: E2
• String 3: A2
• String 2: D3
• String 1 (Highest): G3