This guitar tuning, despite bearing the name "drop d", presents a unique modification compared to the widely known traditional Drop D tuning. The key alteration, as indicated by the original JSON description, is that the 5th (A) string is tuned down to D, rather than the 6th (low E) string. This results in the open string notes E D D G B E, from the lowest (6th) string to the highest (1st) string.

Verbal Analysis

This specific "drop d" variation offers a distinct sonic character. By lowering the 5th (A) string a full perfect fifth to D, it creates a powerful and resonant D octave in conjunction with the adjacent 4th (D) string. The 6th string remains at its standard low E, providing a familiar bass foundation, but the addition of the deep D on the 5th string introduces a unique harmonic texture. This setup can be particularly effective for open voicings of D chords, adding significant depth and resonance. It also opens up possibilities for drone effects or melodic lines that emphasize the prominent D-D octave on the middle strings. While it doesn't offer the single-finger power chord convenience of traditional Drop D on the lowest three strings, it could inspire new riffing patterns and chord shapes that leverage its unique open string configuration.

Technical Analysis

• Instrument: Guitar
• Base Tuning: A departure from standard EADGBe.
• Tuning Notes: E2 D2 D3 G3 B3 E4 (from 6th string to 1st string).
• Key Alteration: The most significant change is the 5th string, tuned down from A2 to D2, a drop of 7 semitones (a perfect fifth). The other strings remain in standard tuning.
• Open String Intervals: Relative to the 6th string E, the open strings are E (Root), D (b7), D (Octave of 5th string), G (b3), B (5th), E (Octave). This configuration strongly implies an E minor 7 chord (E, G, B, D) with the D on the 5th string serving as a prominent bass note. It also highlights a strong D unison/octave between the 5th and 4th strings.

Open Chords and Reachable Shapes

• Open D Chord: With the 5th string tuned to D, playing an open D chord (ignoring the 6th string; using 5th-4th-3rd-2nd-1st: D-D-G-B-E) becomes exceptionally full and resonant, almost like a Dsus2 or Dmaj9 without the C#.
• Em7 Chord: The open strings E D D G B E naturally form a rich E minor 7 chord, with the D on the 5th string contributing significantly to its character.
• D Octaves/Unison: The 5th and 4th strings both being D (D2 and D3 respectively) allow for powerful open D octaves or unisons, ideal for driving bass lines, drone effects, or melodic motifs centered around D.
• Modified Power Chords: While not yielding traditional single-finger power chords across the lowest three strings like conventional Drop D, barring the 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings (D, D, G) at any fret will produce a chord with a root unison/octave and an added 4th. For instance, barring at the 5th fret would yield G-G-C, offering a distinctive suspended quality rather than a pure power chord.

How to Tune

To achieve this specific tuning, carefully adjust each string as follows:

• 6th String (Lowest E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• 5th String (A): Tune down 7 semitones to D. This changes the note from A2 to D2. Caution: Tuning down by 7 semitones is a substantial adjustment in string tension. For optimal performance, stability, and to avoid potential issues, using a different gauge string designed for lower tunings for the 5th string is highly advised.
• 4th String (D): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is D3.
• 3rd String (G): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is G3.
• 2nd String (B): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is B3.
• 1st String (Highest E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E4.

6th String (Lowest): E2

5th String: D2

4th String: D3

3rd String: G3

2nd String: B3

1st String (Highest): E4