Tuning Analysis: Open E Minor 6th Drone

Verbal Analysis:

The "Open E Minor 6th Drone" tuning (E-A-E-C-E-A) is a truly unique and deeply resonant open tuning for the guitar. Though sometimes identified by the sequence 'ebabebcebab', it provides a rich harmonic landscape with a distinctive low E drone, setting a moody and introspective foundation. The arrangement of notes creates an open A minor triad (A-C-E) across the higher strings (C3-E3-A3), beautifully underscored by the lower E2 and A2. This makes it incredibly versatile for fingerstyle playing, allowing for ringing, sustained chords and arpeggios that shimmer with a melancholic beauty.

The presence of the C note (a minor 6th from the lowest E) adds a bluesy or jazzy flavour, while the repeated E and A notes across octaves create a strong sense of resonance and a deep, full sound when strummed openly. It's an excellent choice for ambient music, folk, or anything requiring a lush, open sound that evokes a sense of depth and contemplation. Its unusual intervals lend themselves to unexpected melodic and harmonic possibilities, inviting players to explore new musical territories beyond conventional chord shapes.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning for a Guitar deviates significantly from standard EADGBe. The open string configuration is E2-A2-E3-C3-E3-A3.

• String Configuration:
  • 6th String (E2): Remains standard. Provides a foundational low E drone.
  • 5th String (A2): Remains standard. Pairs with the low E for strong E-A intervals.
  • 4th String (E3): Tuned up 2 semitones from D3. This creates an octave with the 6th string, reinforcing the E drone and adding body.
  • 3rd String (C3): Tuned down 7 semitones from G3. This is a dramatic drop, introducing the minor 6th interval relative to the low E, and a crucial component of the A minor triad.
  • 2nd String (E3): Tuned down 7 semitones from B3. Forms an octave with the 4th string and completes the A minor triad with C and A.
  • 1st String (A3): Tuned down 7 semitones from E4. Completes the higher A minor triad and provides an upper octave A.
• Open Chords and Voicings:
  • Strumming all open strings (E-A-E-C-E-A) results in a complex, resonant chord that can be interpreted as an A minor chord with an E bass or an E minor 6th chord (E is root, A is a perfect 4th, C is a minor 6th). This creates an immediate lush harmonic backdrop.
  • The top three strings (C3-E3-A3) naturally form an A minor triad. This makes fretting simple A minor or C major shapes very accessible on these strings.
  • The repeated E and A notes across octaves provide immense resonance and depth, making this tuning particularly suited for sustained notes and ambient textures.
• Playability Considerations:
  • The significant string tension changes (especially the -7 semitones on strings 1, 2, and 3) imply a much looser feel on these strings. While standard gauge strings can be used, a lighter gauge string set for the top three strings might be beneficial for optimal tone, intonation stability, and string longevity, preventing them from feeling too "floppy."
  • Players will need to re-learn many common chord shapes, but new, inspiring voicings will emerge easily from the open string relationships. Barring across frets will produce consistent intervals, inviting experimentation.

How to Tune: E-A-E-C-E-A (from Standard E-A-D-G-B-e)

• 6th String (Low E): Tune to E2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 5th String (A): Tune to A2. Keep as is; no change (0 semitones).
• 4th String (D): Tune to E3. Tune up 2 semitones from D3. (This change is within safe limits for standard gauge strings.)
• 3rd String (G): Tune to C3. Tune down 7 semitones from G3. (Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant drop. Consider using a lighter gauge string for optimal performance and to maintain proper tension.)
• 2nd String (B): Tune to E3. Tune down 7 semitones from B3. (Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant drop. Consider using a lighter gauge string for optimal performance and to maintain proper tension.)
• 1st String (High E): Tune to A3. Tune down 7 semitones from E4. (Caution: Tuning down 7 semitones is a significant drop. Consider using a lighter gauge string for optimal performance and to maintain proper tension.)

Always tune carefully and check string tension. For tunings with movements exceeding 4 semitones (up or down), a different string gauge is generally advised to ensure optimal playability, intonation, and string longevity.