This 8-string guitar tuning, which we've named Heavy E-A Drone, creates an incredibly resonant and powerful soundscape, ideal for styles requiring a deep, sustained sonic foundation.

Verbal Analysis

The Heavy E-A Drone tuning is characterized by its repeating pattern of E and A notes across multiple octaves, resulting in a rich, almost wall-of-sound effect when played open. It eschews traditional major or minor thirds, focusing instead on the fundamental (E) and its perfect fourth (A), creating an open, ambiguous, yet profoundly powerful tonality. The sheer density of E and A notes, ranging from the very low E1 to the bright E4, gives the tuning a massive, droning quality that can be both meditative and intensely heavy. It's particularly well-suited for progressive metal, ambient soundscapes, or any genre where sustained, deep resonances are desired, offering a huge sonic canvas for rhythmic or atmospheric work.

Technical Analysis

This 8-string tuning consists of the following notes from the lowest (8th) to the highest (1st) string: E1, A1, E2, A2, E3, E3, A3, E4. This configuration is primarily built upon a series of perfect fourths (E to A, and A to E) and octave relationships, with a notable unison on the 3rd and 4th strings (E3). Specifically, the intervals from the lowest E1 are:

• String 8 (E1): The foundational root of the tuning.
• String 7 (A1): A perfect fourth above E1.
• String 6 (E2): An octave above E1, and a perfect fourth above A1.
• String 5 (A2): An octave above A1, and a perfect fourth above E2.
• String 4 (E3): An octave above E2, and a perfect fourth above A2.
• String 3 (E3): A unison with String 4, creating an incredibly thick and resonant middle voice.
• String 2 (A3): An octave above A2, and a perfect fourth above E3.
• String 1 (E4): An octave above E3, and a perfect fourth above A3.

When all open strings are played, the resultant sonority is a powerful E-sus4, or more simply, a dense, resonant cluster of E and A tones. This inherent resonance makes it incredibly easy to create massive chords and drones. Chords and playing styles that are easily within reach include:

• Power Chords: Due to the consistent E-A pattern and numerous octaves, moving a single finger across the fretboard will immediately yield powerful 5th and 4th voicings, particularly around E and A roots.
• Drones and Riffs: The strong open string resonance encourages the use of open-string riffs and pedal tones, especially utilizing the low E and A notes for a sustained, heavy foundation.
• Fretted Chords: Barring all strings at any given fret will produce a powerful, thick chord based on the intervals of the open tuning. For example, barring at the 2nd fret would yield a heavy F# and B-based voicing (F#2 B2 F#3 B3 F#4 F#4 B4 F#5).

The tuning involves moderate adjustments to several strings from a likely standard 8-string tuning. While none of the individual string adjustments exceed the general recommendation for changing string gauge (i.e., less than 4 semitones up or down), careful attention should still be paid to string tension. Strings tuned down significantly may feel looser, while those tuned up carry a slightly increased risk of breakage if a light gauge is used.

How to Tune: Heavy E-A Drone

To achieve the Heavy E-A Drone tuning, follow these specific adjustments for each string, starting from the lowest (8th) to the highest (1st):

• String 8 (Lowest String): Tune to E1. Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 7: Tune to A1. Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 6: Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 5: Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• String 4: Tune to E3. Tune up 2 semitones. Take care when tuning up; a slightly heavier gauge string might offer better stability if this string feels overly tight.
• String 3: Tune to E3. Tune down 3 semitones. Tuning down by this amount may result in a looser string tension; consider a lighter gauge if you find it too slack for your preference.
• String 2: Tune to A3. Tune down 2 semitones.
• String 1 (Highest String): Tune to E4. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).