Tuning Overview: Odd Unison

The 'Odd Unison' tuning, as its name suggests and its creator describes, is an intriguing system where each odd-numbered string is tuned to match the note of the adjacent lower-pitched even-numbered string. This creates three distinct unison pairs across the fretboard: the low E strings (6th and 5th), the middle D strings (4th and 3rd), and the high B strings (2nd and 1st). The result is a profoundly resonant and thick sound, offering a unique sonic landscape. It invites a style of playing that leverages these doubled notes, whether through strumming for a rich, ringing texture or through fingerpicking to emphasize specific harmonic clusters. It's a tuning ripe for experimentation, particularly for those interested in drone-based music, alternative rock, or ambient soundscapes where a full, sustained sound is desired.

Technical Analysis

• Open String Voicing: The open strings E2 E2 D3 D3 B3 B3 form a rich E minor 7th chord. The 6th and 5th strings provide a doubled E (Root), the 4th and 3rd strings offer a doubled D (Minor 7th), and the 2nd and 1st strings complete the voicing with a doubled B (Perfect 5th).
• Interval Relationships: The most striking feature is the unison pairing (E2-E2, D3-D3, B3-B3). Between the pairs, the intervals are a perfect 5th (E to B) and a minor 7th (E to D). This consistent structure provides a strong harmonic foundation.
• Chordal Possibilities: The open tuning presents a full E minor 7th. Due to the unison pairs and the resulting E-D-B intervallic structure, barre chords become very straightforward: a single barre across all strings will consistently yield a minor 7th chord. For instance, barring at the 1st fret creates an F minor 7th, and at the 3rd fret, a G minor 7th. This simplifies complex chord progressions in this specific harmonic minor 7th context, making it very intuitive for certain musical styles. The doubled strings also allow for powerful strumming, sustained drones, and unique textural effects.

How to Tune Your Guitar to Odd Unison

This tuning involves significant changes from standard EADGBe, particularly on the odd-numbered strings. Please proceed with caution and consider the advice on string gauges for optimal playability and to prevent string breakage or tension issues.

• 6th String (Low E): Starting from standard E2, keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is E2.
• 5th String (A): Starting from standard A2, tune down 5 semitones. This will bring the string to E2. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones (a perfect 4th) is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string for the 5th string is strongly advised to maintain tension and tone.
• 4th String (D): Starting from standard D3, keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is D3.
• 3rd String (G): Starting from standard G3, tune down 5 semitones. This will bring the string to D3. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones (a perfect 4th) is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string for the 3rd string is strongly advised to maintain tension and tone.
• 2nd String (B): Starting from standard B3, keep this string as is; no change (0 semitones). The target note is B3.
• 1st String (High E): Starting from standard E4, tune down 5 semitones. This will bring the string to B3. Warning: Tuning down 5 semitones (a perfect 4th) is a substantial change. A heavier gauge string for the 1st string is strongly advised to maintain tension and tone.