Tuning Overview: E Power A Drone

This unique tuning, which we've named E Power A Drone, takes the familiar foundation of a low E and transforms it into a powerful, resonant soundscape. While the original description hinted at "Open E with extra steps," this tuning carves out its own identity with a strong E-centric bass and a distinct A-centric higher register. It's particularly well-suited for styles demanding a heavy, driving sound, such as hard rock, metal, or ambient soundscapes where open, ringing tones are desired.

Verbal Analysis:

The core of this tuning lies in its duality. The lower strings (6th, 5th, 4th, 3rd) create a rich, thick foundation that strongly suggests an E power chord or an E-rooted sound. The presence of two E3 notes (on the 4th and 3rd strings) adds incredible thickness and sustain to this low-end punch. When played together, these strings provide a formidable wall of sound. Moving to the higher register, the 2nd and 1st strings are both tuned to A3, creating a strong, almost shimmering A power chord or a resonant drone effect. This contrast between the deep, robust E and the higher, clear A offers interesting harmonic possibilities, allowing for riffs that anchor in E while soaring with A on top.

Technical Analysis & Open Chord Voicings:

The open notes for this tuning are: E2 B2 E3 E3 A3 A3. Let's break down its structure:

• The 6th string (E2) provides a solid root.
• The 5th string (B2) is a perfect fifth above the low E, establishing an E5 power chord immediately with the 6th string.
• The 4th string (E3) is an octave above the 6th string, further reinforcing the E root.
• The 3rd string (E3) is a unison with the 4th string, doubling the E and adding significant density.
• The 2nd string (A3) introduces a perfect fourth above the E (3rd/4th strings).
• The 1st string (A3) is a unison with the 2nd string, creating a distinct A power chord (A5) in the higher register.

This tuning is characterized by its lack of a major or minor third, making it inherently powerful and modal. When all strings are strummed open, the resulting sound is not a traditional major or minor chord, but rather a rich, resonant voicing of E, B, and A notes. This combination could be interpreted as an E5 (E Power Chord) with an added A (the 4th). The strong emphasis on E (root and octave) and A (perfect 4th) makes it ideal for heavy riffs and drone-based music.

Key Open Chord Shapes & Reachable Chords:

• Low E Power Chord (Strings 6-5-4-3): Fretting these four strings at any fret will yield a thick power chord. For example, barring at the 1st fret gives an F5 power chord (F C F F). This allows for easy, heavy riffing across the lower register.
• High A Power Chord (Strings 2-1): The top two strings are already an A5. Moving this shape up or down the neck (e.g., barring at the 2nd fret for a B5, 3rd fret for a C5) provides simple, effective power chords in the higher range.
• Combined Power Chords: The structure allows for interesting interplay. You could fret a low E power chord shape and let the open A strings ring out, creating a complex, resonant sound. Conversely, fretting an A power chord on the top strings while letting the low E strings drone provides an open, spacious texture.
• Two-Chord Harmony: The inherent E and A elements suggest easy transitions between E-based and A-based harmonies, perfect for blues, rock, or folk where these chords are fundamental.

How to Tune Your Guitar to E Power A Drone

To achieve the E Power A Drone tuning, you will adjust your strings from a standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e). Follow these instructions precisely for each string:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). Target note: E2.
• String 5: Tune up 2 semitones. Target note: B2.
• String 4: Tune up 2 semitones. Target note: E3.
• String 3: Tune down 3 semitones. Target note: E3.
• String 2: Tune down 2 semitones. Target note: A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 7 semitones. Target note: A3. Important Note: This involves a significant drop in pitch. For optimal string tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness, consider using a heavier gauge string for this particular string.

General Recommendation: When tuning individual strings up or down by more than 4 semitones (e.g., -5, +5, or more), it is generally advised to switch to a string gauge more appropriate for the new tension. This helps maintain good intonation, playability, and prolongs string life, preventing issues like string breakage (when tuning too high) or excessive looseness (when tuning too low).

String 6 (Low E): E2 (tuned to E below middle C)

String 5 (A String): B2 (tuned to B below middle C)

String 4 (D String): E3 (tuned to E at middle C)

String 3 (G String): E3 (tuned to E at middle C)

String 2 (B String): A3 (tuned to A above middle C)

String 1 (High E String): A3 (tuned to A above middle C)