Verbal Analysis:

This is a rich and resonant 4-string tuning designed for a full, open sound. The core E-B-E forms a powerful, ringing drone, making it ideal for slide guitar, blues, and folk music where a continuous, harmonically rich backdrop is desired. The addition of the F# (a major ninth) provides a bright, open, and slightly suspended quality, preventing it from sounding overly heavy and adding a touch of sophistication. It encourages a percussive, rhythmic playing style with lots of open string use, creating a soundscape that feels both grounded and soaring. This tuning is excellent for creating expansive soundscapes, driving rock riffs, or introspective fingerstyle passages.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings are tuned to E2, B2, E3, F#4. This configuration creates an E5(add9) chord without requiring any fretting.

• Open Chord: A full strum across all open strings yields an E Power Chord (E-B-E) with an added Major 9th (F#). This provides a very resonant and harmonically rich sound.
• Barre Chords: Due to the open string structure, barring all strings at any fret will instantly create a corresponding X5(add9) chord. For example, barring at the 3rd fret produces a G5(add9) chord, and at the 5th fret, an A5(add9) chord. This makes moving through power chords with added color very intuitive.
• Melodic Potential: The F# on the highest string opens up possibilities for E Major, E Lydian, or E Mixolydian modes, allowing for bright and expressive melodic lines over the drone.
• Chord Voicings within Reach:
  • By fretting the G# on the third string (E3, 4th fret), you can achieve a full E Major chord (E-B-G#-F#).
  • Experimenting with the 2nd and 4th strings can yield various suspensions and extensions. For instance, fretting the 2nd string (B2) at the 2nd fret (C#) and the 4th string (F#4) at the 2nd fret (G#) creates a bright E Major 6/9 voicing (E-B-C#-E-G#) when played with the open E and E strings.

Tuning Notes:

• String 1 (Lowest): E2
• String 2: B2
• String 3: E3
• String 4 (Highest): F#4

How to Tune:

To achieve the "Open E9 Drone" tuning, begin by identifying the implied starting notes for each string, then adjust according to the semitone movements:

• String 1 (Lowest, Target E2): This string should remain at E2, meaning no change is required from its implied starting note of E2 (0 semitones).
• String 2 (Target B2): Tune this string up 2 semitones from its implied starting note of A2, reaching B2.
• String 3 (Target E3): Tune this string up 2 semitones from its implied starting note of D3, reaching E3.
• String 4 (Highest, Target F#4): Tune this string down 1 semitone from its implied starting note of G4, reaching F#4.

Note: All string movements are within safe limits (less than 4 semitones up or down).