This is the Unison E5 Power Tuning, an aggressive and powerful setup for your Guitar, specifically designed for fast, distorted rhythm playing. As described in the tuning's original notes, it features a unique unison low and middle E, with no traditional high E string, resulting in a thick, driving sound perfect for heavy genres.

Technical Analysis

The open strings are tuned to E2, E2, B2, E3, E3, B3 from thickest to thinnest. This configuration creates a massive, open E5 power chord (E-B-E) across the entire fretboard. The immediate observations are:

• Low-End Dominance: The two lowest strings are tuned to a unison E2, providing an incredibly rich and deep foundation for your sound. This allows for massive, impactful riffs.
• Power Chord Heaven: The tuning inherently creates an E5 power chord across its open strings (E-B-E-E-B). This makes playing power chords incredibly simple and powerful. A single finger barre across any fret (excluding the open B strings) will generate a full, thick power chord, making it exceptionally easy to construct heavy rhythm parts. For example, barring the 1st fret (strings 6,5,4,3,2,1) would yield an F5 power chord (F-F-C-F-F-C), and the 3rd fret would yield a G5 power chord.
• Unison Power: The unison E2 (strings 6 & 5) and E3 (strings 3 & 2) contribute immensely to the tuning's density and sustain, particularly for distorted tones. This eliminates the need for complex fingering to achieve a full sound.
• No High E: The absence of a traditional high E string, replaced by B3, further emphasizes the lower and mid-range frequencies, pushing the focus towards heavy rhythm and away from lead work that relies on high melodic lines.

This tuning is ideal for players who want to simplify their chord shapes for driving rhythm, utilizing the open string resonance for maximum impact. It lends itself well to genres like metal, hard rock, and punk, where thick, sustained power chords are paramount.

How to Tune

To achieve the Unison E5 Power Tuning from standard EADGBe tuning, follow these steps:

• String 6 (Low E): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones). It remains at E2.
• String 5 (A string): Tune down 5 semitones. From A3 down to E2. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A different string gauge may be advised for optimal tension and intonation.
• String 4 (D string): Tune down 3 semitones. From D3 down to B2.
• String 3 (G string): Tune down 3 semitones. From G3 down to E3.
• String 2 (B string): Tune down 7 semitones. From B3 down to E3. Warning: Tuning down 7 semitones is a very drastic change. A different string gauge is strongly advised to maintain proper tension, intonation, and to prevent string floppiness.
• String 1 (High E string): Tune down 5 semitones. From E4 down to B3. Caution: Tuning down 5 semitones is a significant change. A different string gauge may be advised for optimal tension and intonation.

Always recheck your intonation after making significant tuning changes.

• String 6 (Low E): E2
• String 5 (A string): E2
• String 4 (D string): B2
• String 3 (G string): E3
• String 2 (B string): E3
• String 1 (High E string): B3