Verbal Description:

The 'Open E with root drone' tuning is a powerful and resonant variation of the classic Open E major tuning, specifically configured for an extended-range (7-string) guitar. It delivers a full, bright, and harmonically rich sound, making it ideal for blues, slide guitar, rock, and even atmospheric soundscapes. The prominent double E2 on the two lowest strings creates an incredibly deep and sustained 'drone' foundation, giving a massive low-end presence to your playing. Strumming all open strings yields a strong E major chord, allowing for easy major chord progressions by simply barring across frets.

However, a truly unique characteristic of this tuning is the exceptionally high G4# on the third string. This note is an octave higher than the G#3 typically found in standard Open E, introducing a bright, almost mandolin or banjo-like shimmer to the voicing. This high G4# offers exciting possibilities for melodic playing, arpeggios, and creating unique harmonic textures that stand out from conventional guitar tunings. It encourages exploration of higher register melodies even within chordal structures, offering a piercing clarity that cuts through the rich low end.

Technical Analysis:

This tuning is fundamentally based on the E major triad (E - G# - B), with all open strings forming components of this chord across multiple octaves. The full note configuration from the lowest (7th) to the highest (1st) string is: E2, E2, B2, E3, G4#, B3, E4. The 'root drone' aspect is clearly established by the E2 notes on both the 7th and 6th strings, providing a thick, unwavering low E that underpins the entire tuning.

The core of the tuning (strings 6-1) largely follows an Open E structure (E-B-E-G#-B-E), but with a critical difference on the 3rd string. Instead of the typical G#3, this tuning features G4#, an entire octave higher. This significant shift elevates the 3rd of the E major chord to a much brighter and more forward register, fundamentally altering the intervallic relationships and harmonic color of the open position. The remaining strings provide the root (E), perfect fifth (B), and a high octave root (E4), all contributing to a full and resonant E major voicing.

Accessible Chords & Shapes:

In this tuning, any straight bar across all six (or seven) strings will produce a major chord. For example, a bar at the 1st fret yields F major, at the 2nd fret F# major, and so on. The open strings themselves form a rich E Major chord. The configuration also lends itself well to single-finger drone notes, especially on the lower E strings. Due to the repeated E notes, various power chord shapes are easily achievable with minimal fretting, and the higher G4# can be used as a piercing melodic voice or a vibrant harmonic extension over a droning E major chord, offering a unique tonal palette for both rhythm and lead playing.

How to Tune:

Please exercise caution when adjusting string tension, especially when tuning strings up. Significant changes in pitch may require a different string gauge to ensure optimal playability and prevent string breakage. Generally, when string movements exceed 4 semitones (either up or down), a different string gauge is advised.

• String 7 (Lowest String): Tune up 5 semitones to E2. (Note: Tuning up 5 semitones is a significant change; a heavier gauge string may be advisable if starting from a much lower standard tuning to maintain tension and prevent breakage.)
• String 6: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E2.
• String 5: Tune up 2 semitones to B2.
• String 4: Tune up 2 semitones to E3.
• String 3: Tune up 1 semitone to G4#. (Caution: G4# is an exceptionally high pitch for a guitar's 3rd string. A typical 3rd string is G3. If your starting note for this string is G3, reaching G4# would require tuning up 13 semitones, not 1. This implies the string's intended starting pitch for this '1 semitone up' instruction was G4, or very close to it. Ensure you use an appropriate, likely very light, string gauge to avoid breakage and only attempt this if your instrument can safely accommodate such high tension. Always tune slowly and carefully.)
• String 2: Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to B3.
• String 1 (Highest String): Keep as is; no change (0 semitones) to E4.

• String 7: E2
• String 6: E2
• String 5: B2
• String 4: E3
• String 3: G4#
• String 2: B3
• String 1: E4