The "Low Open E" tuning plunges the guitar into a deeply resonant, incredibly heavy sonic landscape. As its name suggests, this tuning takes the classic Open E major chord and drops most strings down a full octave (or close to it), creating a colossal foundation perfect for genres demanding immense power and depth, such as metal, doom, and stoner rock.

Technical Analysis:

The open strings form an E Major chord with the following specific notes: E1-B1-E2-G3#-B2-E3. This provides a natural, full-bodied E Major tonality without fretting, making it incredibly easy to play powerful, open chords. The extreme low register, particularly the E1 and B1 notes on the lowest strings, delivers a crushing bottom end that standard tunings simply cannot achieve.

While the core is an E Major triad, the specific voicing with G3# on the third string, positioned above the B2 on the second string, creates a unique harmonic spread. This arrangement results in a wide interval between the 3rd and 2nd strings, offering distinct harmonic textures and creative avenues for lead playing or intricate riff construction beyond simple barres.

Chords and Playability:

This tuning excels in delivering massive, one-finger barre chords. By simply fretting all six strings at any given fret, you instantly achieve a full major chord corresponding to that fret (e.g., fret 1 for F Major, fret 3 for G Major). The low register also lends itself incredibly well to powerful, chugging single-note riffs and drop-tuned power chords, providing a thick, wall-of-sound effect. Experiment with open string drones against fretted notes for vast, ambient textures or heavy, sustained power chords, allowing the unique string intervals to shine through.

Tuning Notes:

• String 6 (Low E): E1
• String 5 (A): B1
• String 4 (D): E2
• String 3 (G): G3#
• String 2 (B): B2
• String 1 (High E): E3

How to Tune:

Important Note on String Gauge: All strings in this tuning are significantly lowered, with movements ranging from 10 to 12 semitones down from standard pitch. Tuning down by more than 4 semitones from a string's intended standard pitch puts considerable slack on standard gauge strings, which can lead to poor intonation, excessive buzzing, and potentially damage to your guitar if the neck relief isn't properly adjusted. For optimal performance, proper intonation, and to prevent potential issues, it is strongly advised to use a much heavier gauge string set specifically designed for extreme drop tunings.

• String 6 (Low E): Tune down 12 semitones to E1. This is a full octave below standard E2.
• String 5 (A): Tune down 10 semitones to B1. This dramatically lowers the string from its standard A2.
• String 4 (D): Tune down 10 semitones to E2. This creates a powerful, low E note from its standard D3.
• String 3 (G): Tune down 11 semitones to G3#. This is a substantial drop from its standard G3, resulting in a G sharp.
• String 2 (B): Tune down 12 semitones to B2. This is a full octave below standard B3.
• String 1 (High E): Tune down 12 semitones to E3. This is a full octave below standard E4.