Experience the unique and experimental sound of the Kissability Drone EBEAB tuning, inspired by Sonic Youth's iconic use of altered tunings. This particular setup, referencing the tuning 'kissability sonic youth e b e e a b', is designed to evoke a resonant, open, and somewhat dissonant soundscape, characteristic of their trailblazing music. As described by the original source, it's "just idk a coool tuning that sonic youth used," hinting at its organic and unconventional origins. It's a tuning that encourages exploration beyond traditional chord shapes, focusing instead on texture, drones, and expansive sonic possibilities.

Technical Analysis

The open string notes for this tuning are E2-B2-E3-E3-A3-B4, from lowest to highest string. This configuration immediately highlights several key features:

• Root Note E: The low E (E2) establishes a strong root, with two more E notes (E3) reinforcing this, including a powerful unison between the 4th and 3rd strings. This unison is a hallmark of the tuning, creating a thick, resonant drone.
• Intervals:
  • String 6 to 5 (E2 to B2): Perfect 5th.
  • String 5 to 4 (B2 to E3): Perfect 4th.
  • String 4 to 3 (E3 to E3): Unison.
  • String 3 to 2 (E3 to A3): Perfect 4th.
  • String 2 to 1 (A3 to B4): Compound Major 2nd (Major 9th).
• Overall Harmonic Profile: The open strings produce notes E, B, E, E, A, B. This configuration strongly suggests an E chord with suspended qualities. Specifically, it can be interpreted as an E suspended 4th (E-A-B) due to the prominent A, but with the abundance of E's and B's, it forms a rich, open E power chord feel, broadened by the A, and with a bright high B. The sound is inherently open, resonant, and has a strong sense of a drone.

Chords and Playability

While not designed for traditional barre chords, this tuning excels at creating expansive and unique voicings. The open E, B, E, E, A, B notes themselves form a huge, ringing E-based sound that can be used as a powerful drone or foundation. Single-finger barres across multiple strings can yield rich cluster chords, especially with the two E3 strings. Experiment with sliding shapes and open string combinations. The close proximity of the E notes and the B notes allows for subtle shifts in harmony by fretting just one or two strings. This tuning is ideal for creating textures, shimmering arpeggios, and driving, resonant riffs that leverage the drone capabilities of the open E and the unison E's.

How to Tune

To achieve the Kissability Drone EBEAB tuning from standard E Standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these specific adjustments:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune up 2 semitones. Adjust your A2 string up to B2.
• String 4 (D): Tune up 2 semitones. Adjust your D3 string up to E3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 3 semitones. Adjust your G3 string down to E3.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 2 semitones. Adjust your B3 string down to A3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune up 7 semitones. Adjust your E4 string all the way up to B4. Important Caution: Tuning up 7 semitones is a significant increase in tension. A lighter gauge string for your highest string is strongly advised to prevent string breakage and potential neck issues. Proceed with care.

Open String Notes:

• String 6 (Lowest): E2 (Low E)
• String 5: B2
• String 4: E3
• String 3: E3
• String 2: A3
• String 1 (Highest): B4 (High B)