This tuning, aptly named "Em with root drone", transforms your 7-string guitar into a rich and sonorous open E minor soundscape. As the description suggests, it creates a powerful E minor chord when strummed open, significantly enhanced by the unique "root drone" effect achieved by having two E2 strings at the lowest register. This configuration provides a deep, resonant foundation, perfect for atmospheric textures, heavy riffs, or intricate fingerstyle that demands a full, dark harmonic base.

Technical Breakdown

• Instrument Type: This tuning is specifically designed for a 7-string Guitar, leveraging its extended range to create a truly immersive sound.
• Open Notes: The open strings are tuned to E2, E2, B2, E3, G3, B3, E4.
• Interval Structure: From lowest to highest, the intervals relative to the E root are: P1 (E2), P1 (E2), P5 (B2), P1 (E3), m3 (G3), P5 (B3), P1 (E4). This multi-octave voicing of E (root), G (minor third), and B (perfect fifth) clearly defines it as an Open E minor tuning. The deliberate doubling of the lowest E string (E2) is the cornerstone of its "root drone" characteristic, adding immense power and sustain.
• Overall Character: It's a robust Open E minor tuning with an emphasized low end, providing a thick, unwavering harmonic anchor.

Chords and Playability

Striking all open strings yields an exceptionally powerful and resonant E minor chord, instantly setting a deep, melancholic, or powerful mood. One of the primary advantages of this open tuning is the ease of forming various minor chords: simply barre a single finger across all strings at any fret, and you'll instantly have a minor chord in the corresponding key (e.g., barring the 3rd fret creates a G minor chord across all strings). This makes it an excellent choice for slide guitar, simplified chord progressions, or exploring drone-based compositions. The strong, ever-present E minor harmony allows for creative melodic improvisation and simplified accompaniment.

How to Tune

To achieve the 'Em with root drone' tuning from a standard 7-string tuning (typically B-E-A-D-G-B-E), follow these steps:

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune up 5 semitones from B1 to E2. Important Note: Tuning up by 5 semitones is a significant tension increase. It is strongly advised to use a lighter gauge string for this position to prevent string breakage and potential neck damage.
• String 6: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E2 to E2.
• String 5: Tune up 2 semitones from A2 to B2.
• String 4: Tune up 2 semitones from D3 to E3.
• String 3: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from G3 to G3.
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from B3 to B3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) from E4 to E4.